Obituary of John Gene Gagliardo

John Gene Gagliardo of Hebron, Connecticut, beloved husband to Susan, loving father to Adam and Andrew, and brother of Fred Gagliardo, passed away on October 26, 2023, at 75, after a battle with cancer. Born on September 8, 1948, in Jamaica, New York, John's unmistakable accent persisted even after four decades in Connecticut. As a lifelong diehard Yankees fan and lover of baseball, in his 20’s,  John was a dynamite 2nd baseman on the “On Tap” softball team in Queens, NY.  In Hebron, “Mr. G.” coached not only his sons' basketball and little league teams but continued to mentor young players long after his sons moved on. After earning his BS from Long Island University and MBA from St. John’s University, John dedicated 37 years with the IRS as a large case audit manager. Even in retirement he embraced teaching by engaging with college students through the Becker CPA review program. During John's more than 30-year golfing legacy at Blackledge Country Club, he often could be seen playing alongside his son Andrew. Pride in his Italian heritage inspired many trips to Italy and his love of cooking where he endeavored to perfect his pizza crust and traditional Italian meals. John's precision as a tax auditor was evident in the detailed itineraries he crafted for his adventures with Susan, from Peru to Poland, from Alaska to Auckland. Equally adept at home improvement projects, John loved spending countless hours on upgrades and modifications to his family home over the last 40 years. Described by a friend as “the cornerstone of the neighborhood community”, John’s legacy is one of kindness and dedication - from coaching sports to volunteering with the Hebron Interfaith Human Services as Treasurer for 8 years. In addition to Susan, his loving wife of 51 years, John leaves behind his sons, Adam and Andrew, and his brother, Fred. John once said he hoped to be remembered as "an okay guy.” To those fortunate enough to have known him, he was nothing short of exceptional. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Join us for calling hours from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury followed by a funeral mass at 11am on Thursday at the Church of the Holy Family, 185 Church St, Amston, CT 06231. In John's memory, contributions can be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com