Dr. William Julius Gacso

Dr. William Julius Gacso
Dr. William Julius Gacso, age 89, of Fairfield, CT, entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 16th, 2026.
Bill was born June 20, 1936 in Bridgeport, CT to the late Julius Gacso and Mary Caroline Vojakovics Gacso. Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years Renee Gacso; his four children, Stephanie Gacso, Mark Gacso, Matt Gacso (Annabel Galinda), and Larissa Gacso; his five grandchildren, Zuzu, Emma, Samuel, MontanaRose, and Maison; his sister-in-law, Kathleen Gacso, niece Kristen Sloan and grandniece Ana; along with numerous, too many to name, nieces, nephews and extended family, all of whom he loved deeply.
He was predeceased by his brother Joseph Raymond Gacso and his cousin, who was more like a brother to Bill, Alfred Fressola.
A graduate of Bassick High School, Class of 1954, Bill continued his studies at the Louisiana State University, Class of 1958. His pursuit of learning continued to the School of Medicine at Tufts University, Class of 1962. Shortly thereafter, Bill was drafted into the US Army where he was proud to serve as a Paratrooper and Medical Officer. He was honorably discharged as Captain from Fort Campbell, Kentucky in August 1965.
To officially begin what would become a 50 plus year career in Anesthesiology, Bill moved to Philadelphia, PA to complete his Residency at the Jefferson Hospital where he obtained his degree in the field. From there, he returned to his roots and joined St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport, CT where he was privileged to serve as the Chief of the Anesthesia Department for 25 years and later retired in December 2015.
Bill had many, many hobbies. In his teenage years, he was a caddy at The Patterson Club where he developed his love for the game and became a scratch golfer. In 1969, he joined The Patterson Club where he has been a member for the past 57 years enjoying many friendships and making fond memories.
Bill was also a foodie. He loved to cook. The classics, like pasta and peas, and the more exotic dishes that took him to specialty shops near and far to pick up just the right ingredients.
Bill loved to tell a good story and held the attention of many, filled with laughter, as he did so. In 2025, he started dialysis at Fresinuis Medical Care in Fairfield CT and, true to his nature to always find the silver lining, he proclaimed that going there three days a week was his new job and that he truly loved his new "coworkers" and looked forward to spending the day with them. Bill will be deeply missed by many though his stories will always be remembered.
Friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 20th, 2026, at the Parente Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. His funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Fairfield on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. Services will continue at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield, where full military honors will be observed in honor of William's military service. For travel directions or to sign his online guest register, please visit www.ParenteFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to causes that Bill personally supported: Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.