Thomas A. Gabianelli (75) of Southbury, CT, known to all who loved him as Gabby, entered into peaceful rest on September 2, 2024. He was born on January 17, 1949 in Derby, Connecticut, to Elizabeth K. Gabianelli and the late Frank E. Gabianelli Sr.
Tom graduated from Seymour High School and then proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served from 1967 – 1969 aboard the USS Kearsarge. After his service, he attended Brown University where he graduated with a degree in finance and went on to build a successful career in banking. (During that time, he met the love of his life, Linda.) He went on to begin a career in consulting with Diversified Nonprofit Services where he ran capital campaigns that helped raise millions of dollars to fund new and improved buildings for the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Gabby was a very talented drummer and was an active and devoted member of the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum & Bugle Corps for most of his life. He won a World Championship with the Hurcs in 1981, played an active long term role on their Board of Directors, and eventually earned a spot in the Hurricane Hall of Fame. His unwavering support of the corps earned him one of only the few prestigious “Heart and Soul Awards” ever given. He loved his Hurricane friends like they were family, and he loved the corps with all of his heart.
Tom was also a very proud veteran. He was a loyal and active member of the Emel Senger American Legion Post 10 in Seymour, Catholic War Vets St. Michael’s Post 1562 in Derby, Seymour VFW Post 12084, the George Newton VFW Post 1607 in Southbury. He spent countless hours organizing Veteran Appreciation Concerts over the past decade, attending Veterans Day assemblies at local schools each year, and volunteering his time to his community.
One of Tom’s favorite roles in life was being a grandfather. He was so proud of Rylan, Mia, and Grace and loved nothing more than to watch them do what they loved. No matter what it was one of their sporting events, a cheerleading competition, or a concert, he was always their #1 fan. His face would light up when his grandkids would walk into a room, and he showered them with unconditional love. The girls had no doubt that their Pop loved them.
Gabby loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. He was always the life of the party, and his smile and could light up the room. He had a phenomenal sense of humor and an infectious laugh to go with it. He will always be remembered for his kindness and his positive outlook on life. Gabby lived every day to its fullest.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda Gabianelli of Southbury, CT; his daughter, Dina (Gabianelli) Mastroni and her husband Christopher Mastroni of Southbury, CT; his son Todd Gabianelli and his wife Elizabeth J. Gabianelli of Arlington Heights, Ill; and his cherished granddaughters, Rylan Mastroni, Mia Gabianelli, and Grace Gabianelli. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth K. “Betty” Gabianelli, his brother, Frank Gabianelli, Jr. and wife Kathy Gabianelli of Argle, NY; his nephew Frank Gabianelli, III and his wife Caryn Gabianelli; his niece Wendy Burns, and her children Jake and Jesse Romano, and her husband Ken Burns of Seymour. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank E. Gabianelli Sr.
A visitation service will be held on Saturday, September 7th from 12PM-4PM at Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home in Seymour, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his beloved Connecticut Hurricanes. In Tom’s Honor, any funds received using this link: http://cthurricanes.org/gabby/ will be used towards a member scholarship fund.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to his entire medical team at the VA Hospital of West Haven, and his wonderful nurses at Vitas Hospice Care, for their care and support during this very difficult time.
