Ellen T. Gabinelle

Ellen T. (Ghirardini) Gabinelle, 101, passed away peacefully under MidState Medical Center’s hospice care with family at her side on September 16, 2023. She was a resident of Ashlar Village, Wallingford for 15 years. Ellen was born Feb. 1, 1922 to Frederick and Gaetana Ghirardini in New Haven, one of 9 children, and is survived by her sister Rena Grillo, also of Ashlar Village.
Ellen is also survived by her son Gregg and his wife Deb of Westerly, RI, their children Ryan and John, her daughter-in-law Sue of Jacksonville, FL, her children Carrie Duda and Catherine Valentine, Catherine’s husband Sean and Carrie’s children Alexander, Gabriella and Zophia. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Frank and son Glenn.
Ellen was married to Frank Gabinelle in 1944. She was born, raised, married and began her family in the New Haven area before moving to New Jersey for Frank’s career. Ellen and Frank resided in NJ for 40 years before she moved back to CT following Frank’s death. Entertaining family and friends was always the center of Ellen’s life expressed through her love of cooking and the joy she experienced keeping all well-fed.
While residing in NJ, Ellen was active in local and state politics, including the League of Women Voters and served as assistant to then state senator, Donald DiFrancesco, who later became NJ governor. Ellen graduated from Kean University, majoring in Spanish, in 1984, one week after her son Gregg’s college graduation. She volunteered and worked at Kean for many years in a variety of roles, including tutoring. She retained her knowledge and love of the Spanish language until her death, especially “La Familia.” A special thanks to Hartford Healthcare’s caring Hospice nurses and spiritual support
Friends and relatives may visit at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden on Oct. 14, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until prior to her Prayer Service, which will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at <https://act.alz.org> with Ellen Gabinelle in the memo.