Esther Melaragno

Gaffney, SC - - Esther Moro Melaragno, 91, of 115 Hunters Creek Road, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at her residence.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, she was the wife of George Robert Melaragno for 73 years, and the daughter of the late Dominick Moro and Nicolina DeNardo Moro.  She formerly worked at Quincy's, was the former owner of Italian Villa Restaurant, and retired from Wal-Mart.  Esther loved her family, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a fantastic cook, helped to plan and cater many weddings, and was very crafty.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she sang in the choir for many years.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three sons, Don Melaragno (Cindy) of Gaffney, Steve Melaragno (Connie) of Texas and Scott Melaragno (Kim) of Gaffney, SC; three daughters, Anna Marie Wilkins (Bryan), Diana Reid (Darrell) and Karen Mabry (Terry), all of Gaffney; eight grandchildren, Justin Reid (Ysabel), Erin Wise (Charlie), Jared Melaragno (Éowyn), Jordan Melaragno, Ashley Lovingood (Mark), Kristin Burman (Oliver), Joshua Melaragno and Allyson Melaragno; two bonus grandchildren, Kelsey Smiley (Tyler) and Jake Krull (Jordan); eight great-grandchildren and one expected great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Montenaro and Mary Ioia, five brothers, Pete Moro, Joe Moro, Albert Moro, Sevio "Sam" Moro and Geno Moro, and her daughter-in-law, Kelly Wood Melaragno.

The family would like to extend special thanks to caregivers, Alexis, Betty, Kitt, Val, Harriett and Jackie for their tender and loving care, and also to Renae and Angela of Heartland Hospice.

A Rosary will be held from 5:30PM until 6:00PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Blakely Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends following the Rosary from 6:00PM until 8:00 PM at Blakely Funeral Home.  Funeral Mass services will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father James Touzeau officiating.  Entombment will be in Frederick Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 205 Sams Street, Gaffney, SC 29340 or Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1886, Gaffney, SC 29342.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, S.C.