Obituary: ​Gabriel J. Balsamo, Jr. of Branford

Information and photo via W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Gabriel J. Balsamo, Jr. of Branford died on Saturday, April 6, at Yale New Haven Hospital, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife, Adair Pinckney Balsamo of Branford, his step-children: Donna DiFrancesco of Branford and Hamden, Gina Forsa of Hamden, Lisa (Ferrie) Torres of Meriden, Susan Dercole (Edward) of Hamden, Joseph DiFrancesco of California, and Karyn DiFrancesco of Hamden; his sister Mary Ann Franco (Michael) of Hamden, 10 step-grandchildren, 1 step-great-granddaughter, several nieces and nephews, children Cheryl, John, Paul, and Deborah, and several grandchildren.

Gabriel was born in New Haven on October 20, 1935, the son of the late Gabriel J., Sr. and Genevieve Dawicki Balsamo. He was predeceased by his brother, Frank Balsamo. Working as a dispatcher for more than 30 years for the former Seaboard Oil Company, Gabe retired in 1999 and spent the next 20 years doing what he loved most: spending time with family and friends, fishing, and vacationing at Back Lake in New Hampshire. Gabe was also a member of the Rosary Group at St. Mary Church in Branford.

Friends may call on Wednesday, April 10 from 9:00 - 10:30 at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 at St. Therese Church of St. John Bosco Parish of Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Gabriel Balsamo Jr., please visit our Tribute Store.