Obituary of James "Jimmy" Gilbert Gentile

James Gilbert Gentile, age 65, of Black Rock, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Born in Bridgeport on May 13, 1960, Jimmy was the son of Atty. James J. Gentile of Trumbull and the late Maribeth Gilbert Gentile.

Jimmy was a graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University. He was an Assistant Plant Manager for the former U.S. Surgical/Covidien Corp, where he provided nearly 30 years of dedicated service before his retirement. For the past few years, Jimmy was happily employed by Hubbell Electric Heater Company.

Jimmy's most treasured memories were those spent with his wonderful son, Barry Gentile. As avid hockey fans, they were dedicated season ticket holders of the Quinnipiac Men's Hockey team and were present at Eli's when QU won the National Championship! Jimmy and Barry loved doing things together and especially loved fishing at Lantern Point, St. Mary's, and on charter boats out of Captain's Cove, in their endless pursuit of catching the big one! Together, they also enjoyed attending air shows, car shows, traveling, and swimming. Jimmy also cherished his Friday lunches at the diner with his dad, who he affectionately referred to as "Pop." A car aficionado and a bit of a neatnik, Jimmy loved to care for his vehicles and, of course, refused to let you eat in, or near, his car.

Jimmy was a proud supporter of the Special Olympics and reveled in cheering on Barry in his swim meets. He was also a proud organ donor, offering the ultimate altruistic gift to others.

With his warm smile, welcoming style, and special sense of humor, Jimmy was a big presence, especially at family gatherings. He was uniquely kind and incredibly funny which instantly brought laughter to those around him. Jimmy happily enjoyed family events with his cousins while joining in all of their festivities. He made it a point to be present for the milestones for his many nieces and nephews; attending sacraments, graduations, awards, and weddings. He always expressed his pride and love towards each of them. His special relationship with his beloved nephew, Patrick, was something to behold, as Patrick would simply light up upon seeing his Uncle Jimmy.

In addition to his loving father, Jim, Jimmy's survivors include his cherished and adored son Barry and Barry's mother, Lisa; his two devoted sisters, Amy Stern and her husband, Ed of Black Rock, and Kate Prezioso and her husband Bill of Trumbull; nine adored nieces and nephews, Emily McCormick (Eddie), Chris Stern (Alex), Patrick Stern, Matt Stern, Lily Jennings (Mason), Caroline Prezioso, Will Prezioso, Lydia Prezioso and Olivia DeFeo; four great nieces and nephews, Chloe, James, Matthew, and Ava. He is also survived by two aunts, Barbara Gilbert of Fairfield, and Tere Newbauer and her husband, Bill of Black Rock, as well as by many loving cousins and dear friends.

In addition to his mother, Maribeth, Jimmy was pre-deceased by his grandparents Alfred and Elizabeth Gilbert, James and Lucille Gentile, and by uncles Carey Gilbert and Vincent Meyer, and his aunt Aileen Meyer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday May 3, 2026 from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Those desiring may make donations in Jimmy's name to Benhaven, Inc., 60 Church St., Suite 3D, Wallingford, CT 06492. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.