Carol Gagliardi Obituary
Born January 3, 1945, in Elmira, New York, to Emerson and Elsie (Patruno) Peake, Carol was raised in Rutland, Vermont. She graduated from Rutland High School and the University of Vermont, where she earned her nursing degree. A gifted student and athlete, she was a member of the Rutland Ski Team and a college cheerleader.
In 1968, Carol married her college sweetheart, Tom Gagliardi Jr. Together they made their home in Hamden and Woodbridge, Connecticut. After working as a visiting nurse, Carol devoted herself to her family and to extensive charitable work. She led more than 100 fundraising initiatives, raising millions of dollars for causes including Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and Nancy Reagan's "Break the Silence" campaign for bipolar disorder. Drawing from her own experience, she became a passionate advocate for children and families affected by mental illness.
Carol cherished skiing in Vermont and summers in Nantucket. An avid tennis player and golfer, she was a longtime member of the Woodbridge Country Club and later the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford. Known for her warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit, she earned the affectionate nickname "the Party Queen."
In addition to her beloved husband, Tom, Carol is survived by her sister, Judy Piana of Memphis, Tennessee; her daughter, Maria Robinson (Vince) of Maui, Hawaii, and her son Gregory; her son, Tom Gagliardi III (Beth) of Killingworth, and their children Juliana and Tyler; and many dear friends who were truly like family.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday January 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Therese Church of St. John Bosco Parish in Branford. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Connecticut Mental Health Hospital or the Branford Community Foundation. Share online condolences at www.wsclancy.com.
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