Barbara (Juliano) Giordano obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Barbara (Juliano) Giordano, 74, of Branford, passed away at home on April 26, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born on November 5, 1951, in New Haven to Joseph Juliano and Josephine (DePetto) Sobol. Barbara is survived by her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Robert K. Mongillo Jr. (Pamela) of Guilford; her loving stepsons, Nicholas Giordano (Pamela) of Hamden and Michael Giordano of Indian Shores, Florida; and the true apples of her eye, her four grandchildren, Anthony Mongillo, Nicholas Giordano (Ellexus), Douglas Giordano, and Julianne Scanlon (Thomas). She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Adelynn and Dacre Giordano; two dear sisters, Joyce Morrisey (Tony Klimas, Jr.) of West Haven and Patricia Dostie of Guilford; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents; her stepfather, Stanley Sobol (2017); her husband, Eugene R. Giordano (1992); her companion, Edward P. Hinman Jr. (2015); her brother, Peter Juliano (2007); and her cherished and inseparable twin sister, Donna Milano (2025).

Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to family, her generosity, and the love she expressed through caring for others. She was a wonderful cook, and preparing large meals for family was one of the ways she showed her love. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, where no one ever left Barbara’s table hungry. She took great joy in holiday cooking and in gathering family around traditions she lovingly carried on year after year. Christmas was especially meaningful to her and served as a cherished centerpiece of the year, filled with warmth, abundance, and togetherness. Her son and grandchildren brought her immense pride and joy, and she treasured the laughter and strong family bonds created around her table.

Barbara also spent her life in service to others in many ways. She was a hairdresser and the proprietor of her own salon, Barbara’s Hair Boutique, where she built lasting relationships with her clients. Beautiful in both presence and spirit, she used hairdressing as a way to share that beauty with others, helping people feel confident and cared for. Later in her career, she returned to school and became a medical assistant, continuing her lifelong pattern of caring for others in both personal and professional settings. She was also a natural caregiver at home, offering steady love and support to those around her in times of need, whether through small acts of kindness or during periods of illness and loss. She will also be remembered for her quiet strength through life’s hardships, including the loss of her husband, Eugene; later the loss of her companion, Ed; the loss of her brother, Peter and, more recently, the heartbreaking loss of her cherished twin sister, Donna. Through it all, family remained her greatest source of comfort and purpose. She will be remembered for her hospitality, her traditions, and the deep love she gave so freely.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Avenue, East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437. All are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow the Funeral Mass at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guilford Interfaith Volunteers: Charlie's Closet, in Barbara’s memory.

May she rest in the peace of Christ.