A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday for Gildo Molinari of Sharpsville. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, April 14, 2015, in The Residence at Willow Lane, McKees Rocks, after a brief illness. He was 86. Mr. Molinari was born Oct. 28, 1928, in Castro dei Volsci, Italy, a son of Frank and Loretta Cataldi Molinari. He immigrated to the United States at 6 years of age and settled in Sharpsville. He was a graduate of Sharpsville High School, where he was a standout football player and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Youngstown State University. Gildo served with the U.S. Army during World War II in the South Pacific. He retired as plant superintendent of the former Shenango Inc., Sharpsville, where he was employed for more than 40 years. Gildo was an active member of St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville. He enjoyed tending to his beautiful rose bushes, flower gardens and vegetable garden and was an excellent cook. He was also an accomplished woodworker. A sports enthusiast, he was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates and also the New York Yankees. He and his wife's special time together included daily Mass and leisurely walks in Buhl Farm park in Hermitage. Gildo will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness and generosity. His wife, the former Alexandria "Sandy" DeSantis, whom he married May 9, 1953, in St. Bartholomew's Church, passed away June 12, 2006. Surviving are: a son, Ronald Molinari and his wife Rose, Moon Township, Allegheny County; a grandson who was his "little buddy" and pride and joy, Alex Molinari, Charlotte, N.C.; a sister, Patricia "Patsy" Sewecke and her husband George, South Pymatuning Township; a niece, Pamela L. Sniezek and her husband Victor J., Hermitage; a nephew, Dr. Jeffery Sewecke and his wife Angie and family, Pittsburgh; and a niece, Lori Sewecke and her companion Jason Wolfe and family, Brookfield. Besides his wife, Gildo was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sante Molinari. Calling hours: 5 to 9 p.m. today (4-16-15) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon. Service: Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Friday (4-17-15) in St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. Matthew Strickenberger, pastor, as celebrant. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors rendered by the West Middlesex VFW Post 6233, Wheatland American Legion Post 432 and Farrell VFW Post 5286 Honor Guard.