Obituary of Barbara Gabianelli

U. S. Coast Guard Veteran Barbara Fosko Gabianelli, age 85, of Bridgeport, died on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 in St. Vincent Medical Center. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on April 28, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Albert J. and Anna Baker Fosko. She was a graduate of Harding High School, the Booth and Bayliss Business School and the Wharton School of Finance. A lifelong Bridgeport resident, Mrs. Gabianelli was the first female enlistee from Connecticut that served in the U. S. Coast Guard during World War II. She taught at the U. S. Coast Guard District in West Palm Beach, Florida. She used her linguistics skills as the Secretary to the Commander of 4th Naval District in Philadelphia. She was employed as a kitchen designer and supervisor at Burritt Lumber and retired from the University of Bridgeport as a gift accountant in the Development Office with 27 years of service. She was an active member of St. Charles Church Parish for over 50 years and was a member of their Mothers Club and Friendship Club where she enjoyed being the trip planner and coordinator. She was a past president of the University of Bridgeport Retirees Association, a member of the St. Vincent Medical Center Auxiliary and a lifetime member of the American Legion. She was proud to be the guest speaker at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy at the SPAR Recognition Day in New London on March 21, 1991. Mrs. Gabianelli was a wonderful wife; loving mother and great friend to everyone she came in contact with. She always gave of herself and her time to others, never requesting anything in return. She loved people and animals especially Border Collies. Survivors include her beloved husband of 58 years, who she met in kindergarten in the sandbox at Beardsley School, Harold R. Gabianelli, a daughter, Barbara Ann Gabianelli of Bridgeport, three brothers-in-law, Joseph J. Gabianelli and his wife Rosemary of Milford, Donald W. Gabianelli of Anchorage, Alaska and Vincent J. Gabianelli of Gainesville, FL as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 11:00 a.m. in St. Charles Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will follow in St. John Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.