Gloria R. Traisci – February 11, 1927 – May 20, 2015

An era closes with the death of matriarch, Gloria Theresa Repko Traisci. Gloria had a beautiful life – which she devoted to her family, friends and faith – a life that was a blessing to us all. Gloria was born at home to Mary and Michael Repko on February 11, 1927 – And she died at her home of 62 years surrounded by her loving family on May 20th, 2015. Gloria was a lifetime Danbury resident and treasured this terrific community. Gloria is pre-deceased by her husband Dan – the love of her life. Married in 1951, Gloria and Dan shared a fulfilling life together: Dan’s musical career as a world –class jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist; raising five children; living in Danbury, Florida and Columbus Ohio; enjoying a time share in Aruba; experiencing a premier Hawaiian trip of a lifetime with Blanche and Joe Maroto. Gloria and Dan’s stars aligned creating a universe of cherished neighbors including her BFF, Angie Devito. Grammar and high school held great memories for Gloria. She would walk three miles to Saint Peter’s grammar school, every day. Saint Peters is where Gloria began to forge lifelong friendships. A favorite childhood reminiscence was being on Saint Peter’s cheerleading squad in eighth grade. Gloria grew up during the depression. Her next door neighbor was a beloved cousin, Janet. They would have great fun writing coded messages to each other in the frost on their bedroom windows during cold winter mornings. Gloria helped her family raise chickens and inherited her parents’ green thumb as they all tended the grape vines, flower and vegetable gardens. Gloria was graduated from Danbury High School (DHS) which was then on White Street. Gloria kept her friendships strong with her Danbury High Class of ’45. A core group of these classmates have been meeting every month at The Hearth Restaurant in Brookfield since their class reunion in 2005. Here the Class of 45 share stories and create new memories with this extended family of friends. World War II stood as the backdrop for Gloria’s high school years. Her family home proudly displayed a banner of five blue stars in the front window – each star representing a brother in the military: Matt and Rudy in the Army fighting in the Atlantic Theatre; Mickey and Jimmy in the Navy fighting in the Pacific Theatre. The fifth star was for her brother-in-law, George Donnelly who fought in the Army on the Atlantic side of the war. Gloria would marry Dan after the War – he was in the Army Band and led his own jazz band – Six Kits and a Mess – while stationed in Compiegne, France. Gloria worked in the City of Danbury’s Building Inspector’s office as Danbury grew to be the hub of the Western Connecticut Region. In 1991, A City Hall Mayoral Proclamation honored Gloria upon retirement for her cheerful smile and helpful ways; retirement meant that Gloria and Danny would be able to spend more time indulging their love of music, their family and travel. Gloria’s faith was put into practice as she attended mass, the sacraments and spent daily time meditating with the chaplets of divine mercy. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and relished saying the Rosary. Gloria took great joy in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. The greatest legacy she leaves is her love for her offspring: Dian with her husband, Robert L. Marandola and their children, Liz and Louie of New Milford; Daniel F. Traisci Jr. and his daughter, Taylor of Southbury; Matthias Traisci with his wife Jodi and their daughter, Emily of Brookfield; Edward Traisci with his wife Sonya and their daughters Ava June and Lila of Minnesota; and daughter Karen Traisci who with her children Jessica and Jessica’s soon to be husband Christopher Sturgeon, Lauren and Rudy all of New Milford. Gloria has two treasured sisters- in law – Elizabeth Egan- Repko of Danbury and Helen Traisci – Sanzini of Ocala, FL; and her beloved nieces and nephews. Gloria’s integrity as she lived by a code of doing for others will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Gloria life gives wings to the words of St. Francis, that by giving we truly receive: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy; Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. The Traisci children extend our gratitude to family and friends for their love and support. In remembrance and celebration we are grateful for Gloria’s touch on us all.

View Full Notice → Gloria R. Traisci – February 11, 1927 – May 20, 2015