Gaetana Agnes Ramagnano ‘’Tina” (nee Purifico) died peacefully on November 11, 2022 at age 96.  She is survived by nieces and nephews and preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sister in laws, and husband.  Tina has lived in the house she was born in all her life.  She always called it “my precious home”.  She graduated South Philadelphia High in 1944 and went to work at the war bond office at the Navy Yard until 1946 then to Gimbels Furniture Department until 1953.  She then went to the Naval Hospital’s Special Services Department where she was responsible for the welfare and morale of the military stationed there and the hundreds of wounded service men.  After several years of unbelievable care for the wounded, was made head of that department, a first.  It took the commanding officers six months of writing letters to the Navy Department – Washington of her outstanding efforts to make her the first civilian female to fill the position normally held by Navy Regulations, a Navy Officer. 

In 1972, the Secretary of the Navy awarded her for having the most innovative programs for Veterans at a Naval Hospital.  The world famous Bob Hope presented her this auspicious award.

She was a ballroom dance teacher and taught many of the wounded to dance with their new prosthetic legs and because of her skiing ability, she started a ski program for the amputees which still exists today.  She often said “I learned during those years that whatever else I do in my life – nothing could matter more!”

            In 1979 after 26 years at the Naval Hospital the Hospital would close and be imploded – with a sad heart she moved to the Naval Yard as head of accounts payable until 1989.  She decided to retire BUT never was happy unless she was  working and went to work at Strawbridge’s for another 17 years.  Strawbridge’s closed and was bought by Macy’s at the Wannamaker building where she continued for 5 years.  She retired again but volunteered at the Methodist Hospital and for AARP.  She loved having a job to go to.

           Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on THURSDAY morning from 9:00 to 10:00am at St. Monica’s Church, 17th and Ritner Sts,.  Funeral Mass to follow viewing at 10:00am.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers Tina would be grateful if donations can be made in her memory to St. Monica Church, 2422 S. 17th Street, Phila., PA 19145.