Legal Battle Erupts Over East Village Estate

The widow of a prominent East Village real estate owner is embroiled in a bitter dispute with her daughter over the late husband’s estate, which is reportedly worth around $45 million. The widow claims that her daughter has unfairly cut her off from the family property, alleging she received only a fraction of what she believes she is entitled to.

Robert and Anne Gürdanela were married for 64 years, living in the East Village until Robert’s passing in December 2021 at age 89. The couple had two children: Christine and Carlo. Robert built a substantial real estate portfolio that included both full and partial ownership of several apartment buildings and commercial spaces along East 11th Avenue. He also left behind $1 million in cash and properties in Florida along with other real estate holdings.

The family’s construction business, Giurdanella Bros. Inc., was once quite significant, employing over 40 people and producing Bella Tile Co. Robert’s obituary reflects on a life well-lived, but sadly, the family now faces turmoil.

Anne, now 88, has accused her daughter of being miserly, stating that since Robert’s death, Christine has only given her a mere $133,000. For nearly a year, Anne has been involved in a legal battle in Manhattan’s Supreme Court, asserting that, as Robert’s widow, she is entitled to a substantial portion of his estate.

In court documents filed in November, Anne expressed her distrust, stating, “I no longer trust her and I don’t think she is my daughter.” She described the deterioration of their relationship as troubling, noting her confusion over her daughter’s hostility towards her.

The lawsuit filed by Anne accuses her daughter of misappropriating funds, including Social Security payments, and taking control of a condo in Highland Beach. Christine, however, has denied these allegations. Meanwhile, Anne has also initiated legal proceedings against attorney Greg Weiss, who prepared Robert’s estate documents, claiming fraud and negligence, alleging that he misrepresented the value of Robert’s estate.

She asserts that Weiss did not provide her with adequate information regarding her rights in relation to her husband’s estate plan, which, according to Anne, was prepared without her input.

After Robert’s death, Anne experienced emotional distress and was hospitalized, reportedly receiving medication to cope with her grief. She alleged that she unknowingly signed several legal documents prepared by Weiss concerning Florida condos and their properties in Putnam County.

In a recent court ruling, a Manhattan judge dismissed Anne’s efforts to secure a share of the estate, citing that she missed a legal deadline and deeming her accusations against Christine as irrelevant.

The judge also suggested that Anne’s proposed changes to the estate would have led to significant tax burdens, amounting to $11 million. The legal representatives for both sides have declined to elaborate on the case, but Weiss remarked that he worked diligently to protect Robert’s estate and reframed the accusations as unfounded disputes arising from family conflicts.