Obituary: Valva (Gabani) Drapko, 91, Formerly of Naugatuck

Obituary courtesy of The Murphy Funeral Home

WATERBURY- Valva (Gabani) Drapko, 91, of Waterbury formerly of Naugatuck died Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Bucks Hill. She was the wife of the late Charles Drapko.

Mrs. Drapko was born in Naugatuck on May 14, 1930 daughter of the late Peter and Angelina (Urbinati) Gabani.

Valva retired from Uniroyal in Naugatuck after having worked there for 35 years. She enjoyed gardening, frequent trips to the Casinos, shopping with her best friend Pearl Satchill and was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. She was also a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Naugatuck.

She is survived by her daughter, Jacquelyn Adler Byrne of Waterbury and her grandchildren, Darren, Heather and Tammy. Also, several great grandchildren, a great great granddaughter on the way and many nieces and nephews.
Valva was predeceased by her 4 brothers, Carlo, Celso, Emo and Melio and 2 sisters, Margaret and Barbara and her best friend Pearl Satchill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street in Naugatuck. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. The Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow Street is assisting with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Friends of the Hibernians in c/o the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 91 Golden Hill Street, Waterbury, CT 06706 in Valva’s memory.
To send the family an online condolence, please e-mail us at murphyfh@sbcglobal.net