Geraldine L. (Webster) Melato

Geraldine LaVonne (Webster) Melato of York, PA went home to be with the Lord on November 19, 2008. She was 87 years old. Geraldine was born on June 30, 1921 in Tekamah, Burt County, Nebraska to the late Ershal June (Kohler) and Lloyd Jay Webster. She married Gerard Thomas Melato of Brooklyn, NY on August 17, 1946. The couple celebrated their 62nd anniversary in 2008. She is survived by their son Robert Gerard Melato and his wife Kathy of York, and their daughter Mary Rose; and two daughters, Rosemary Ann Sieffert and her husband Robert Bruce of York, and their daughters Carolyn and Kathleen; and Marilyn Jean Ryan and her husband Gerard Edward of Enola, and their three children Adam (and his wife Joy), Laura and Anna. She is also survived by her brother Robert Webster of Arizona and was preceded in death by her brother Victor Webster. Geraldine graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska in 1946 with a degree in Applied Science majoring in Home Economics. After marrying Gerard Melato in 1946 and moving to Pennsylvania where they raised three children, Geraldine returned to college graduating with honors from Millersville University in 1965 with a B.S. in Education, and a M.A. in Education in 1968. She also received her certification as a Reading Specialist from Penn State University in 1970. Geraldine was a dedicated first grade school teacher for 21 years for the York Suburban School District at the East York Elementary School from 1965 until her retirement in 1986. She excelled in her teaching profession and impacted all of her students in a positive way. She was a life member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and the National Education Association. Geraldine enjoyed involvement in the York community in various ways as president of Young Women's Club of York from 1964 to 1965, as program chairman and second vice president of the Catholic Woman's Club, as program chairman and board member of the Welcome Wagon Newcomer's Club, as program chairman, first vice president and board member of the York County Home Economists Association and as member the American Association of University Women. Geraldine had a passion for gardening and was a member of the Shiloh Garden Club. She was also a charter member of the Cotillion Club of York and of the York branch of the International Wine and Food Society. In her retirement years she enjoyed traveling and conducting genealogical research on the descendants of George & Rhoda (Stoddard) Webster and the Melato and Risolio families in her husband's lineage. She was adored and cherished by her husband, and greatly loved by her children and grandchildren. Above all, Geraldine is a precious child of God, followed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior of her life, and is now enjoying eternal life in heaven. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Country Meadows of York, Shiloh, to her devoted personal caregivers, and to AseraCare Hospice for their exceptional care for Geraldine in the last months of her life. Geraldine was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church since 1955. She also enjoyed attending First Assembly of God, York with her husband when they moved in with their daughter Rosemary and her husband Robert Sieffert in 2006. A viewing will be held at Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York on Monday, November 24th from 6 to 9 p.m. with a memorial service from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 231 S. Beaver St, York on Tuesday, November 25th with a viewing from 10 to 11a.m., and service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow immediately after at Holy Savior Cemetery, York. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Logos Academy School Capital Campaign Building Fund which furthers their mission to bring Christ-centered education to center city York. Please mail contributions to P.O. Box 1272, York, Pa 17405.