Kathleen Fiannacca Gebbia

1955 - 2024

Kathleen Fiannacca Gebbia, 68, of Arabi, joined her Lord and Savior on August 31, 2024, after a long battle with kidney disease. Kathleen was born on December 23, 1955, to Francesco Fiannacca and Rosemary Eckart Fiannacca from Arabi, LA. Born at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, LA, she has been a resident in St. Bernard Parish for most of her life. Kathleen attended and graduated from Prytania Private School where she was very active. She played several sports and was even captain of her basketball team as well as captain of the cheerleading squad. She also received several awards including the American Legion Award and Outstanding American High School Student. After high school, she went on to graduate from Southeastern University and eventually earned her master's degrees from UNO and Tulane. She began her career in the lab doing OB/GYN Infectious Disease Research at LSU Medical Center and continued to work within the LSU family for 43 years. Kathleen was an avid dancer and received her Teacher's Certificate in Dance in 1972. She was also a member of the Hebes Children Carnival Organization where she was a lady in waiting, maid, and finally Queen. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, John Raymond Gebbia and her parents, Francesco Fiannacca and Rosemary Eckart Fiannacca. She is survived by daughters, Alana Cronk-Gebbia (Sage) and Andria Gebbia (Brian), and son John Paul Gebbia (Laurie), grandchildren, Adelee Cronk-Gebbia, Arlyn Cronk-Gebbia, and Oliver Gebbia. She had a passion for volunteering and contributed greatly to her community. She was active with Carolyn Park Playground as an officer of the board, concession manager, fundraising manager, as well as serving as President for the organization. She co-founded the non-profit CP Pops which directed funds to the benefit of the children of St. Bernard Parish. She helped establish the Arabi Community Association and she was also very active in Girl Scouts, serving as troop leader for many years and then as service unit manager. All who knew Kathleen knew her as a sweet and kind person who would do anything for her family, especially her children. In lieu of flowers, Kathleen has requested that donations be sent to: Shriners Hospital, St. Jude’s Hospital, St. Joseph Church Rebuild Center, LCRC Cancer Center, or the American Kidney Foundation. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at 9:00am on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Joseph's Church, 1802 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA followed by a Mass at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. For condolences, visit www.greenwoodfh.com.