Caroline (Tira) Gillono

Caroline (Tira) Gillono, 89, of West Leechburg, PA, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 in her residence with family by her side.

A daughter of the late Nicola Tira and Domenica (Nigro) Tira, she was born October 14, 1931, in Leechburg.

Caroline was a graduate of Leechburg Area High School Class of 1949 and Duff’s Business College.  For 12 years, she worked for the Fox Chapel Golf Club in housekeeping before retiring in 1994.  She had also been employed by Whitsell’s Radio Electric in Leechburg, Sorisio’s Market in Leechburg and Allegheny Ludlum in West Leechburg. Caroline was a member of Christ The King Parish in Gilpin Township, the church’s Ladies group, and the Marconi Club Ladies’ Auxiliary.  She enjoyed camping and especially spending time with her family.

Survivors include four daughters, Sharon Quay (A.J.) of Leland, North Carolina, JoAnne McCall (Mark) of Allison Park, Nicolette Diani (Frank) of West Leechburg, Maria Eshelman (Alvie E. Jr.) of Leechburg; six grandchildren, Brad Robinson (Lindsay), Amy Robinson (Paul), Tira McCall (fiancé Corey Clark), Andrew McCall, Joseph Diani (Emily), Kalee Wray (Travis); five great-grandchildren, Alvie E. Eshelman II, Adalyn Wray, Lincoln Diani, Madeleine Wilhelm-Robinson, Lilian Wray and a great-granddaughter Diani to be born in November; a sister, Evangeline Diani of West Leechburg; a sister-in-law, Enes Williams of Apollo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Joseph Gillono, in November 2011; an infant son in 1958; and a grandson, Kevin Eshelman in 2012.

A private family viewing followed by Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ The King Parish in Gilpin Township with Rev. James H. Loew, O.S.B. as celebrant.  Private interment will be held at St. Catherine Cemetery in Gilpin Township.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main Street, Leechburg (724-842-1051).

In memory of Caroline, donations may be made to Christ The King Parish, 125 Park Road, Leechburg, PA 15656; or to the Kiski Valley Cat and Kitten Rescue, 637 Pine Run Road, Apollo, PA 15613. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Caroline (Tira) Gillono, please visit our floral store.