Today I spoke with Elinor DelMastro Hill who shared the sad news of the loss of our classmate, Gabrielle Samuels Gaydosh. Because there will be no formal obituary, Elinor wanted her dear friend to be remembered on our class site, and this is the result of our conversation. (Note that Gabriella became Gabrielle because "Gubby" preferred the French spelling!)
Gabriella Amelia Samuels Gaydosh was born on May 2, 1943, the daughter of George and Gabriella Samuels. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and later moved with her family to Trumbull, Connecticut. She attended Middlebrook School in Trumbull and came to Central High School in Bridgeport as a sophmore. At CHS, Gabrielle was very active and involved in a number of clubs and activities. She was a member of the Yearbook Committee, worked on the school newspaper, the Criterion, was a delegate to the Student Council, and a member of the Fine Arts Club, the French Club, and the Future Teachers of America. In addition to all of these activities, Gubby, as she was known to her dearest friends, was an outstanding student.
After graduating with the CHS Class of 1961, Gabrielle went on to attend the University of Bridgeport where she was a Dana Scholar and a member of Omega Phi Alpha. She graduated from UB in 1963. Gabrielle worked for Lindquist Steel as a high school student and went on to work for this same company for nearly 40 years ending her career with them as a Vice President. Instead of retiring, she then went on to work for RoboHand in Monroe for several more years.
On July 20, 1963, Gabrielle married Robert Gaydosh and she lived long enough to celebrate 60 years of marriage! She and Bob loved boating and were members of the East End Yacht Club. They also enjoyed big ship cruising. During her final illness, Bob was her devoted caretaker ensuring that her every need was met with love. She died peacefully in her sleep at home on November 11, 2023.
In addition to her husband, Gabrielle is survived by her brother, George, and his family in New Hampshire.
At the request of the family, there will be no public services.
Dennis H. Watkins
I didn't know Gabby at High School but met her when I joined the Reunion Committee. She was great to work with and we had a lot of laughs working as a group. She will be missed and I am so glad I got a second chance to become friends with her. My condolences to her husband, family and friends. Rest in Peace, Gabby! Den
Sharon N. Smethurst (Schwab)
I am so saddened to learn of Gabby's passing. I knew Gabby from Middlebrook and CHS and reconnected with her at our reunion committee meetings and we enjoyed many lunches together over the years. She was an intelligent, kind person who will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to her husband, Bob. Rest in Peace, Gabby.
Henry Rotzal
I was shocked to hear of Gabby's passing. I also did not know her in High School but got the pleasure of knowing her as Gubby on the reunion committee. We shared many meetings and luncheons planning the reunions. She was always so full of life. She will be soarly missed. Our condolences to Bob, her brother and her many family and friends. Rest in Peace Gubby.
C. Robert Clark
I knew Gabrielle both at Middlebrook junior high school, and of course Central high school as well. I was saddened to learn of her passing and give my deepest sympathies to Gabrielle's husband, Robert. I remember "Gabby" well as a terrific young lady and was glad to hear that she had a very successful and happy life with her husband.
Diane M. Barabas (Dillman)
I am schocked to hear of Gabby's passing. I knew her in Middlebrook and on and she was a member of my sorority Omega Phi Alpha as well. I am sorry for her family, but I am glad she had such a good life and had good care right till the end.
Dorothy Peebles (Peebles-Pelley)
So sorry to hear of Gubby's passing. Condolences to her family and her friends I know she will be missed. God bless her soul.Nancy Pavone (Ryan)
I was blessed to know Gubby for over 60 years, from Middlebrook to riding the bus to Central to working on reunions together. I know she will be missed by her many friends including myself. Rest in peace dear friend.
Patricia M. Teller (Buske-Zainal)
I am so sorry to hear about Gubby's passing. I have very fond memories of her from both Middlebrook Junior High and Central High School. She was a very pleasant and helpful person. She will really be missed. Rest in peace Gubby.
Rita E. Skog
So sorry to hear of Gabby's passing. I knew her slightly in HS, but always enjoyed talking to her at our reunions. Deepest sympathy to her husband and family.
Katherine C. Eddy (Parker)
I am saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Gubby. We shared many laughs and mischievous antics at both Middlebrook School and CHS. Always loved my lunches with her and our special times at reunions. My condolences to Bob and her brother.
- Kathy Eddy Parker