Marion Biada

Native Staten Islander Marion Louise Biada, 93, of Howell, N.J., a retired seamstress and cook who was active in her community, died Monday at home.

Born Marion Gattullo in New Dorp, she moved with her family to New Brighton as a girl and attended McKee High School. She also lived in Brighton Heights before settling in Howell in 1994.

A seamstress, during World War II Mrs. Biada worked as a supervisor in a shop that made military uniforms. She also was involved in the former Coronet Social Club, whose members raised funds to support the troops fighting in the war. And she faithfully wrote letters to those serving far from home, to boost their morale.

She later worked as a cook at Port Richmond High School, until retiring in 1989.

In New Jersey, she was a tireless volunteer, and worked in the thrift shop at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, which served many immigrant families new to the area.
Mrs. Biada attended St. Robert's R.C. Church in Freehold Township, N.J. While living on the island, she worshiped at Assumption R.C. Church, New Brighton and Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Tompkinsville.

She enjoyed cooking and was known as a gracious and generous hostess. She was also a gifted storyteller, her family said.


Her husband of 27 years, Charles, died in 1974.

Surviving are her sons, Charles and Richard; her daughter, Marion Moylan; two brothers, Vincent and George Gattullo, and five grandchildren.

The funeral will be Friday from the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a mass at 10:15 a.m. in Chapel of St. Paul R.C. Church, New Brighton. Burial will follow in Silver Mount Cemetery, Silver Lake.

Services: St. Paul's Chapel Friday, April 18, 2014 10:15AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Wednesday, April 16, 2014 & Thursday, April 17, 2014 2-4 & 7-9PM

Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Marion's name to St. Judes or Parkinsons Association would be appreciated.

Cemetery: Silvermount Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Paul's Chapel