News

By Sallie James

BOCA RATON — Carmella L. Gesner, a devoted Catholic and tireless philanthropist known by her friends as “Mel,” died Oct 3. She was 92.
A longtime Boca Raton resident, Mrs. Gesner was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where she volunteered for many years helping in the office with administrative tasks. She also participated in several of the church ministries, including the Women of Grace and the Council of Catholic Women, said Mary Jane Sullivan, who works in the church’s accounting office. Mrs. Gesner joined the church in 1969.
“She was a lovely lady, a beautiful woman, inside and out,” Sullivan said. “She would come to church to attend many of the daily Masses when she was well. Her character was wonderful. She was a great Catholic role model, a smart lady and she was generous with her time and her money.”
Mrs. Gesner participated in a Friday prayer group with Sullivan and the two would often pray the rosary together.
“She was very devout. I am sure she had a rosary in her purse,” Sullivan said. “I will miss her. She was a wonderful person.”
Mrs. Gesner, who had no children, devoted herself to community service, said those who knew her.
Bill T. Smith Jr., her attorney and friend of 30 years, said Mrs. Gesner left behind a lasting legacy. “She was a wonderful lady,” said Smith, who was also her neighbor.
Mrs. Gesner for 23 years was a board member and president of the Camiccia-Arnautou Charitable Foundation, which helped send students to college and made contributions to local food banks and hospitals, he noted.
He said the foundation donated “well over a million dollars” to various causes during her tenure there. “She cared about everyone she met. She was always friendly and willing to help people if she saw they had a need,” Smith said.
Her loss was also felt at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton, which she had joined more than 20 years ago with her husband, Walter.
“She was a very sweet lady,” recalled Marla Johnson, social and catering director for the country club. “She frequented the dining hall and would come for dinner with her friends from the condo. I would see her at events and dining.”
Her next-door neighbor, Jo-Ann Odierna, recalled how thrilled Mrs. Gesner was years ago when she and her husband bought the long-vacant condo next door. “She was so excited,” Odierna said. “She was a very pleasant lady.”
Mrs. Gesner was a world traveler in addition to being very philanthropic. She also volunteered at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the Mae Volen Senior Center.
Born on Jan. 14, 1926, Mrs. Gesner is survived by her sister, Antoinette Seminario, numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 2, 2000.
Services were held on Oct. 23 at Babione-Kraeer Funeral Home in Boca Raton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Camiccia-Arnautou Charitable Foundation, 980 N. Federal Highway, Suite 402, Boca Raton, FL 33432, or St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and School, 370 SW Third St., Boca Raton, FL 33432.