Gemma Florentino Dowling

Gemma Florentino Dowling
Gemma Florentino Dowling, 102, of Hamden passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Connecticut Hospice, Branford with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 42 years to the late Howard E. Dowling. Gemma was born in New Haven on December 10, 1923, and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marcella Marziole Florentino. A graduate of the former Commercial High School, New Haven, Gemma worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company for over 40 years until her retirement. Mother of Linda Bunnell (John "Tibby") and Janice Zgradden. Grandmother of Jay Bunnell (Lisa), Joseph Bunnell (Chantelle), Danielle del Campo (Jake) and Chad Zgradden (Felicity). Great-grandmother of Ashley, Lyndsey, Jake, Connor, Grace, Natalie, Samuel and Logan. Also survived by her loving companion Thomas Corcoran for over 20 years, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Predeceased by her son in law Robert Zgradden, sisters, Josephine Florentino, Elizabeth Migliaro and brothers Dominic, Harry and Louis Florentino. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Glory Alcazar for all her care and compassion over the years.
The visiting hours will be Saturday morning, January 10th from 8:00 to 10:00 at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at 10:30. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice at www.hospice.com www.northhavenfuneral.com