Thelma Cotillo

Thelma Cotillo, 91, beloved wife, mother, grand mother, great grand mother, and performer, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025.Thelma was born on January 21, 1934 and was raised in London, England, where she spent part of her childhood in the underground shelters during World War II, surviving the bombings that took both her parents and her home. Despite these hardships, she faced life with courage, humor, and grace, always choosing joy and resilience over despair. As a young woman, she discovered a love for the performing arts, becoming an acrobat in the circus and later a professional dancer, with the famed Ballet Montmartre, who toured throughout Europe. She shared the stage with many well-known entertainers, including Bob Hope, Benny Hill, and Richard Dawson. While performing in Zurich, Sweden the dance troupe was commanded to perform for the penultimate King of Egypt and his party. With her dance career thriving, the Ballet Montmartre was set to perform in Las Vegas. But life had other plans.While performing in Spain, Thelma met a young U.S. Air Force serviceman, Joseph Cotillo, who was instantly drawn to her spirit and charm. With the news of Las Vegas pending, young Joseph Cotillo, knew he was in love and couldn't let Thelma get away. They married in 1959 and recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. Together, through good times and bad, they raised a family, traveled the world, and built a life filled with love and laughter. After settling in the United States, Thelma continued to bring her warmth and energy to everything she did. She worked at, owned and operated Bambino’s Pizza and Sub Shop, where she made lasting friendships and served her community with the same joy and care that defined her life. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Thelma is survived by her loving husband Joseph; her children Stephanie (married to Bud Black), Chris (married to Deneine), and Steven (married to Samantha); her grandchildren Tony (married to Monica), Brody, Matthew, Conor (married to Chelsea), Shane (married to Christen) , Erin (married to Connor), and Hayleigh; and her great-grandchildren Gio, Cece, Isaiah, Brooks, Teddy, and Josiah. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.