Theresa Forato

Theresa Mary Pinto was born on February 11, 1939 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She was an only child to her parents Mary and James. Although, her father died when she was just 11 years old, she had the support of her family in Pittsfield and New Jersey to keep her going. Theresa loved the music and the style of the '50s. Elvis was her first love. She joined his national fan club and even got to meet him and shake his hand. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1957. She loved dancing, singings, and going along with her mischievous cousins. After high school, she worked in a nursing home caring for the elderly and she really enjoyed it! Theresa was grown up in a fairly conservative home but she met a handsome ladies man, Gino, in March 1961- introduced by her own mother! He was a stud- an older, good looking man, fresh from Italy. They met at a bowling alley and on June 17, 1961 (yes three months later) they were married! They lived in Pittsfield for a few months and then they moved to California and eventually brought her mother Mary with them. Shortly after, they began their family with- Diana, Dino, Gina, and Gino Jr raising them in a strict but loving home in San Pedro, California. Together, they took several trips to Northern California, back east, Italy, Vegas, and Mexico. After Theresa's husband passed away in 1985, she was surrounded by her children and her friends. As her children grew older and started their own families, she began to be actively involved in her grandchildren's life- even helped raise a couple of them. She is remembered for her love of Elvis, her family, dessert, compassion, kind spirit, Law & Order SVU, and continuously being selfless in everything she does. She passed away on June 11, 2017 in her daughter's home in Fountain Valley. She was surrounded by her family and passed peacefully after a challenging year of declining health. She leaves behind four children, six grandchildren, and Gizmo. Daily she prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes and hopeless cases. We are asking in lieu of flowers and money to donate to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275