Obituary of Mary Gentile

Mary Guzzardi Gentile, age 88, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Yale New Haven Hospital, St. Raphael's campus surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of 65 years to the late Vincent A. Gentile. Born in Bridgeport on March 4, 1937, Mary was the daughter of the late Anthony and Teresa (Bosco) Guzzardi and was a longtime resident of Stratford, Conn., and Naples, Fla.

Mary was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Bridgeport, where she received her undergraduate, master's, and sixth year degrees. She had a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher at Stepney Elementary School in Monroe before her retirement. Over her tenure she shaped the lives of countless children, and developed many lifelong relationships with colleagues, and parents and was recognized as Teacher of the Year for the Town of Monroe. Mary enjoyed playing golf with family and friends, cooking for the holidays and family dinners, and all the trips to Florida with her husband and children. She cherished the time she spent with family, especially with her grandchildren. She was so happy to have been able to teach all of them how to cook and to know that her recipes, traditions and signature dishes will be passed on for generations. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. The family would like to thank the incredible care team on Verdi 3 West at St. Raphael's for all the compassion and care given to Mary.

Mary is survived by her two children, Michael Gentile and his wife Marianne and Lisa Tunucci and her husband Peter; five grandchildren, Nicole Zacarelli, Steven Gentile and his wife Angela, Andrew Gentile, Gabi Tunucci and Mia Tunucci; and three cherished great grandchildren, Orlagh, Anya and Henry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. directly in St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Ln., Stratford. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Niemann Pick Disease Foundation at https://nnpdf.org  To leave an online condolence, visit www.abriola.com.