Gloria B. Okon

Gloria B. Okon of Trumbull, Conn., and formerly of Warwick, died peacefully on Monday, Oct. 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 1960’s and 1970’s. The WPIX news team of Kevin Kennedy, John Tillman, and Gloria Okon set the standard by creating the 6 p.m. newscast.

In addition to a career in television, 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 fund raising for a new Prep building.

After retiring, Gloria moved to Warwick and continued giving back to the community as a resident of the St. Anthony’s 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 Gloria’s 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 first aired during the 1979 Super Bowl game.

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.

The family has scheduled a viewing on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road in Trumbull, Conn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Oct. 26, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, 6948 Main St. in Trumbull, Conn.

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.

Visit the funeral home’s Web site at www.abriola.com for more information.