Pearl (Grubert) Tonelli, 98, of Westfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Westfield Gardens Nursing Home. Her three
Pearl (Grubert) Tonelli
daughters were by her side. Pearl was born in Westfield on May 17, 1918 to Emil and Sophia (Symanczyk) Grubert. She was predeceased by her three siblings, William Grubert, Edith Schoenrock, and Gordon Grubert. Pearl was always interested in education, learning, and reading, and as a child she received top honors in school. She graduated from Westfield High School in 1936, with the distinction of being named the student “most likely to succeed in business”. As a young woman, she worked at Durats Manufacturing, Noble & Cooley Drum Factory, and the Farmers Cooperative Milk Exchange during which time she met her husband-to-be Albert R. Tonelli. After her marriage to Al, Pearl continued her hobbies of golf and bowling, and she and Al were charter members of the Westfield Riding Club. She was also co-owner and business manager of Tonelli’s Little River Inn in Westfield, which she and Al ran for over 40 years. During that time Pearl was very active in WAABI, a women’s business organization and even won top prize for penning their slogan. After retiring from the restaurant business, Pearl and Al enjoyed an active social life in Florida. They were members of the Port Charlotte Yacht Club, were very active in a bridge club, and enjoyed entertaining their many friends and family in their home. In addition they brought Westfield people together through their active participation in planning and organizing reunions for Pearl’s 1936 high school class, and the annual “Westfield Day” events in Florida. Throughout her life Pearl was known for her sweet disposition, her graciousness, and her warm welcoming attitude toward everyone she met. Pearl was always an active member of her Lutheran congregation in Florida and in Grace Lutheran Church in West Springfield. Pearl is survived by her three daughters, Lisa Gentile of Worcester, MA, Edith Tonelli of Cape Cod, and Virginia Tonelli of Westfield; six grandchildren: Jennifer Bricher, Michael Gentile, Christopher Gentile, Alan Gentile, Jonathan Tonelli-Raylove, and Alanna Tonelli-Raylove; and 9 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in West Springfield on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 9:30 A.M. followed by a church service at 10:30 A.M. and graveside services at Pine Hill Cemetery will follow in Westfield. A gathering to celebrate Pearl’s life will be held back at the church. For more information about services, please call Firtion-Adams Funeral Services at (413) 562-6244. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice Services, Inc. 77 Mill Street, Suite 201, Westfield, MA 01085 or Grace Lutheran Church, 1552 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA 01089. Firtionadams.com
