Fred Gentile

GENTILE Fred Gentile, age 85, beloved husband of Frances Mastronardi Gentile of Fairfield, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2007 in Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Antonio and Maria Colucci Gentile. Fred lived in Bridgeport most of his life, moving to Fairfield in 1994 to be with his daughter and her family. A graduate of Central High School in 1939, Fred proudly served his country during World War II as a Sergeant Major in the United States Army. Stationed mostly in the Southern Philippine Islands, his brave effort was acknowledged with the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Bronze Star. After the military, he began work in the construction industry. A member of the Brick Layers and Allied Craftsmen of America Union, Fred worked to become the vice president, construction superintendent, and co-owner of Walter Stapleton Construction, Inc., before his retirement. Over the years, he also was recognized by the editor of the Fairfield Citizen for his many thoughtful writings to the Newspaper. His memory will be embraced as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and caring friend to all who knew him. In addition to Frances, his cherished wife of 61 years, he is survived by his children, Professor Mary Ann Valovcin Hauge, and her husband, Marston of Fairfield, Dr. Anthony Gentile and his wife, Sheillah of Schererville, Ind.; grandsons, David Valovcin of Easton, Evan Gentile of Schererville; sisters, Louise Grannonio of Shelton, Anna Waterman and her husband, Jerry of Bridgeport; brothers, Joseph Gentile and his wife, Patricia of Bridgeport, Benjamin Gentile and his wife, Joyce of Prospect; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center, and 9:30 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. Calling hours are on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. To sign an online register, please visit www.Leskopolkefuneralhome.com.