Obituary: Gail Ruth Marcella, 83, Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): Gail Marcella (Rubenstein) 83, of West Haven, passed away on Friday, July 21, at home with her daughters by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on October 31, 1939, Gail was a lifelong resident of West Haven, and a regular down at ‘The Rock’ back in the day, where her father was the proprietor of the famous Jake’s Hotdogs.

Owner and operator of Teachers IV Ballroom Dance Studio in West Haven for 40 years, there are not many ‘Westies’ who haven’t taken a dance class with her at one point or another.

Gail retired as the Assistant Director of Food Service for West Haven Public Schools in 2013. She continued teaching ballroom dancing/line dancing classes at her studio, and through West Haven’s Adult Education program, and began a new, full-time position as ‘Gigi’ (Grandma Gail).

Gail leaves behind her daughters, Cassandra K. Marcella and Danielle A. Marcella Cunningham, her Granddaughter, Luciana Jo Cunningham, her son in law Jay Cunningham, her brothers Thomas Rubenstein and Gerald Calabritto, her niece Lisa D’Amato, her longest and dearest friends, Verneve Reilly and James Montesanto, her beloved cats, Lucy and Desi, and so many friends and former students, all of whom will no doubt remember her grace on the dance floor, her strength throughout her life, and of course, her smile, ‘she’s always smiling!’

Gail was predeceased by her husband, Joseph J. Marcella, her mother Katherine Rubenstein, her father Harold “Herky” Rubenstein, and her brothers David and William (Billy) Rubenstein.

Per her final wishes, no services or memorial will be held. Gail wanted to be remembered the way she was and asked that you keep her daughters, granddaughter, family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to Yale New Haven’s Smilow Cancer Hospital and/or Connecticut Hospice. Please keep these amazing medical professionals in your thoughts and prayers. They were wonderful caregivers throughout her courageous battle and are truly angels among us.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.