Gloria D. Elko

Gloria D. Elko, 94, of Hopwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 2, 2025. 

She was born September 18, 1930 in McClellandtown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Raymond and Bona (Martzona) Billiani. 

In addition to her parents, Gloria is preceded in death by her husband Daniel Elko, her brother Geno Billiani, and grandson Derek Elko. 

Gloria is survived by two sons. Danny (Diane) of Weston Lakes, Texas, granddaughter Brittney Elko (Stephen Fisher) and great granddaughters, Luna and Marty Fisher of Danville, California, Alexandra White (Clarke) and great granddaughter, Maeve of Dallas, Texas; and son Mark Elko of Amityville, New York; grandchildren Addison Elko of New York City; Leah Elko of Oakdale, New York; great-granddaughters, Whitney and Adriana Welsh; 2 sisters-in-law Rosie Billiani of Penncraft and Marilyn Elko of Glenshaw; and many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was raised in Penncraft, a planned community where her father built a house of stone that still stands and has been recognized within the significant historical site in Pennsylvania.  She worked at Gallo’s knitting factory and then assumed the role of housewife and dedicated mother. She was an active member of the PTA and Cub Scout Den Mother, even participating in theatrical performances for the school.  

Because of Gloria’s ability to get along with everyone and her joy for life, the family home in Hopwood was often a place for all formal and informal family reunions. She always made room for one more. She was also an avid baker as the folks in the area appreciated her excellent pies and unmatched pie crust.  

Gloria loved to bowl and always earned a spot as one of the top bowlers in the Coffee Clutchers League, where she was a member for over 60 years. Amazingly she threw the same 13-pound bowling ball until she reached age 92!  

She also loved dancing and never missed the chance to dance at clubs, weddings and especially the Amvets. She was quite good at dancing the twist, with videos to prove it at her granddaughters’ weddings. 

Gloria was a lover of nature and could not keep enough peanuts in the house to feed the squirrels and birds.  With the majestic backdrop of the mountain, it is no wonder she loved her home.  

Gloria was a devout catholic and a member of St. John's R.C. Church, Uniontown.   

Besides being the best mother, she was truly the kindest, most polite, non-judgmental person, and always dressed to the 9’s. 

Visitation will be held in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, HOPWOOD on Friday September 12 from 2-4pm 6-8pm. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday September 13 at 9am until prayers of transfer at 9:30am, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10am in St. John's Roman Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in LaFayette Memorial Park.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria D. Elko, please visit our floral store.