Gail Rose Melillo (née Forcheskie) passed into eternal peace on April 12, 2026.

She was born on April 27, 1955, at Westchester Square Hospital in Bronx, NY, to Carl S. Forcheskie and Geraldine (Eagan) Forcheskie.

Growing up, she lived in Mount Vernon, NY, before living for a short time in Bethesda, MD. Her family then moved to Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1973 and went on to study education at The Pennsylvania State University, graduating in June 1977. After graduation, she began working as a pattern writer for Simplicity in New York City.

On June 4, 1977, she married Lawrence Melillo. They began their life together in Hastings-on-Hudson, where their first son, Brad, was born in 1980. The family later moved to Yorktown Heights, NY where they spent many happy years and welcomed two more children, Lauren in 1982 and Andrew in 1986. In 1993, Gail moved with her family to Lewisburg, PA. After a brief time in Boalsburg, PA she returned to Lewisburg before eventually settling in the Pocono region, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Gail devoted much of her life to her family as a homemaker. She also worked in various roles within the Lewisburg Area School District. She was remembered by many as a phenomenal cook. Her dishes always came from the heart and never followed a formal recipe. She passed that passion on to all three of her children. Gail also made many outfits and costumes for her children over the years, highlighting her talent for designing and making clothing. Gail was a dog lover her whole life. They brought her great joy, and she showed them much compassion. Gail loved the holidays and always made the home warm and festive and full of Christmas cookies. This same love of the holidays was instilled in her children and grandchildren. She created many traditions that will be carried on in her honor.

Gail is survived by her beloved children: Brad Melillo and his wife Katie, Lauren (Melillo) Boninfante and her husband Joseph, and Andrew Melillo; her cherished grandchildren: Anna and Isabella Boninfante and Leo Melillo; and her dearest granddogs. She is also survived by her siblings: Carl Forcheski and his wife Joan, Caroline (Forcheskie) Lupo, and Karen (Forcheskie) Dinunzio and her husband Robert, as well as many godchildren and nieces and nephews whom she held close to her heart.

Visitation will be held at Teeters Funeral Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA on Thursday, April 16 from 2-4 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4 PM. A burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY on Friday, April 17 at 11:30 AM.

Gail will be deeply missed and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation in support of her beloved grandson Leo Melillo. Donations can be made at the following website: https://umdf.donordrive.com/general-donations/donate.