Grace Gennusa

Grace Gennusa (née Bonavolonta)
Grace Gennusa passed into the hands of the Lord on March 13, 2025, at the age of 98.

Wife of the late Joseph Gennusa. Beloved mother of Deborah Nataloni and Donna Nestore. Loving sister of Paula Bonavolonta and the late Ralph Bonavolonta, Millie (Tony) Forte, Angie (Philip) Inverso, and Norma (Al) Tasca. Cherished grandmother of Chris and Robert Nestore, and Jerry and Tommy Nataloni. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Grace lived with her Italian grandparents as a young girl, where she learned the art of dressmaking — a craft that reflected her creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

In addition to raising her family, Grace worked hard and proudly owned several delicatessens in Philadelphia. Her first was in Mt. Airy, followed by “Trio’s” at 11th and Jackson Streets in South Philly, and later “Shaine’s” at 23rd and Spruce Streets.

Grace will be fondly remembered by her family for preparing the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve — a cherished gathering that brought generations together.

In her retirement, she enjoyed playing Bingo at the South Philly Senior Center and going on casino bus trips with her close-knit group of friends. Her warmth, strength, and deep sense of community will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects between the hours of 9:30 – 11:00 AM on Monday at Blessed Sacrament Church, 8501 Ventnor Ave, Margate, NJ 08402. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held privately. Flowers are welcome, and donations in Grace’s memory may also be made to Blessed Sacrament Church.