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Wendy K. Gentile
October 10, 1971 – December 29, 2024
Obituary of Wendy K. Gentile

IN THE CARE OF
Swan Funeral Home

In the words of her mother, “She’s kicked the bucket.” Wendy Kathleen (Friel) Gentile has left this earth and moved to a different location. No forwarding address given.

She was born and raised in Buffalo, NY on October 10th, 1971 and graduated from Amherst Central High School. Wendy passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2024 in the care of loving nurses at Chestelm Rehab in East Haddam, CT at the young age of 53. She lost her battle with pancreatic cancer after fighting very hard since January of 2022. Wendy was the oldest child of four children to Katie (O’Shea) and Jim Friel. Her younger brothers Jim, Chris and Jacob all stayed local to Buffalo, NY.

She started her college career at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY where she met her husband, Michael Gentile. She then graduated from C.W. Post with a degree in elementary education. Wendy and her husband settled in East Haddam, CT where they raised their only daughter Rachel.

Wendy wore many hats and had various occupations over her years. However, the job she loved most was working as a welder for Electric Boat for the past seven years. She was known as “Wendy the Welder” by her fellow colleagues and friends.

Wendy loved Tiki Bob, a bright blue manual Jeep that was recently purchased by the family so they had a “fun” vehicle. Wendy also loved to plan trips and vacations for the family. Their most recent being a trip to Disney World with her brother Chris and his family. This was followed by a road trip to Tennessee to visit Dollywood and Flavortown because everyone knows that Tennessee is on the way back to Connecticut from Florida.

Wendy leaves behind a loving husband, Michael and daughter Rachel, nephews Patrick and Liam and nieces, Amanda, Leah, Molly, Riley, Corinne and Elise. Being the only girl, she had four sister-in-laws, Julianne, Melissa, Lexi and Shannon that provided these great young adults. Her three brothers and brother-in-law, Matthew, round out the last of her family.

Her Mother, Katie (O’Shea) Friel, predeceased her in May of 2023 and her Mother-in-law, Donna (Kirchhof) Gentile, in September of 2024.

Her services will be held on Sunday January 5th from 12 pm to 3 pm at Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, CT. Per Wendy’s request, this event is a celebration of her life and guests are NOT allowed to wear black.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Wendy’s honor to After the Storm Inc. or Clarkson University Relay for Life.

Original Obituary:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/old-saybrook-ct/wendy-gentile-12146069