Gloria A. Passarelli, age 77, of Kenosha, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016 at United Hospital Systems-Kenosha Campus, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on June 4, 1938, in Kenosha, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Bernadette (Roders) Pfaff.

In 1955, Gloria was united in marriage to Kenneth Karls.  They were blessed with six children during their marriage.  On December 30, 1975, she married Jasper “Jay” Passarelli.  Sadly, he preceded her in death on February 9, 1997.

For 43 years Gloria was not only the owner/operator of the Fireside Restaurant but the matriarch of her restaurant family. She went out of her way to help her “family” whenever she could, without complaints. She was selfless and caring and will be deeply missed by the countless number of people she met over the years.

Gloria didn’t have much spare time, but when time allowed, she loved traveling; including weekend getaways and casino trips with her best friend, Joan.  She also enjoyed watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

Left to mourn her passing are her five children: Kathryn Robinson, William “Bill” (Peggy) Karls, Robert (Kim) Karls, Sheri Karls and James Karls; her four brothers, Donald, Norm (Sharon), Bob (Jane), Ralph (Michelle) Pfaff and two sisters, Jean Howell and Paulette (Tom) Campbell.  Gloria is further survived by 14 grandchildren, Jason (Ashley), Tommy (Michelle), Kelly (Heather), Patrick (Stephanie), Kristal (Seth), Donny, Joshua, Rhianna, Joey (Ashley), Ricky, Timmy, Kody, Brian, and Lexi; 18 great grandchildren and was awaiting the arrival of her first great-great grandchild.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Jay Passarelli; her son, Steven Karls; a sister, Helen Cummings and a brother, Richard Pfaff.

Service Info

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Ave.,Kenosha, WI. Entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.