Santa Condita Harbert

Santa Harbert passed away peacefully January 11,2025 with her children at her side. Santa was born June 1,1930 in Akron, Ohio to parents Gregory and Teresa Gully who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy through Ellis Island. Santa went to St. Bernard’s Catholic School through grade 8, graduating June 3, 1945. Santa was CYO Table Tennis Champion in 1945, defeating opponents from St. Vincent and St. Sebastian. She went on to West High to win the High School girls basketball season championship. Santa was employed by the F.W. Albrecht Co. and then in November 1976 the Connie Shop at Highland Square. Mom was announced as Manager in the paper stating, “Santa’s in Town”. Santa loved to crochet and was always working on the next afghan blanket for her kids or relatives. At election time she volunteered at the local voting ward and worked all day and night till every ballot/vote was counted. She raised five children that she would do anything for all while working full time. Her vacations were enjoyed on the beach with her kids. 

Santa is survived by her 5 children Michael, Tony (Cathy), Diane (Jim), Donnie (Karen) and Bob. Santa was Blessed with 10 grandchildren Michael, Teresa, Matthew, Daniel, Adam, Jeffrey, Greg, Jaclyn, Brian and Paul. She also had 20 Great Grandchildren that she loved to monitor on Face Book and her monthly calendar for special events. The Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were all amazed her name was “Santa”. She would always say when asked what Santa means and her reply was “Saint” and that she was for sure. She also loved and cherished her many nieces and nephews. Santa was preceded in death by her parents Gregory and Teresa Gully, brothers Rosario, Frank, Joseph and sisters Mary and Jenny. Santa enjoyed her son Bob’s Labrador retrievers Duke and Tucker, so she was never alone at home and was known to sneak them extra treats for their watch over her safety. Santa also leaves her dear friend Dina Rasicci from their days working at Connie Shop. 

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Akron, with an interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers the family request’s donations to St. Jude’s or Hope for Joy Ministries 1920 Berna Rd, Akron, Ohio 44312. Mom attended Sunday services at Pleasant View whenever the ministry was able to make it to Pleasant View Nursing Home. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Pleasant View for the loving care they took of our mom for over 4 years. Let’s say mom was a little feisty at times on bad days but she always said thanks and she loved them. They really are special caregivers and loved Santa to the minute she passed away shedding tears of joy knowing she was at peace.

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