Obituary of Gloria B. Okon

Gloria B. Okon of Trumbull, Connecticut and formerly of Warwick, New York, died peacefully on October 22, 2012. Known best as the WPIX weather girl and Arnold Bread spokeswoman, Gloria was a recognized TV personality in New York City who pioneered a path for women in the media during the 60s and 70s. The WPIX news team of Kevin Kennedy, John Tillman, and Gloria Okon set the standard by creating the 6:00 P.M. newscast. In addition to a career in TV, Gloria was a gifted singer who appeared in several dinner nightclubs. She was an early role model for women juggling the demands of profession, volunteer work, and family. She relished her role as President of the Fordham Prep Mothers Club and her involvement in fundraising for a new Prep building. After retiring, Gloria moved to Warwick and continued giving back to the community as President of SACHA, the St. Anthonys Community Hospital Auxiliary. She was the consummate organizer wherever she went, especially planning parties that became complete extravaganzas involving costumes, songs, and dance productions. All of Glorias sons appeared in TV on her weather show and commercials. She was especially proud of her youngest son Tom who starred with Mean Joe Green in the famous Coke and a Smile commercial. Gloria was predeceased by her husband Ted, Sr. She is survived by her son Ted, Jr. and his wife, Susan; Tim and his wife, Aleatha; and Tom and his wife, Kristin. She would light up when talking about her beloved grandchildren; Katherine, Jackie, Allie, Carly, Jake, and Jenny. Funeral Information The family invites you to remember Gloria at a viewing on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road in Trumbull, Connecticut. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, 6948 Main Street in Trumbull. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent marked in memory of Gloria Okon to Fordham Preparatory School, 441 E. Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 10458 or made online at www.fordhamprep.org.