Assunta “Susan” Gabriele

Our Beautiful Susan

Assunta “Susan” Gabriele has gone home to be with her Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior.  She passed away peacefully, September 10th, with her loving family by her side. Susan was born and raised in Schenectady, NY – the city she was proud to call her home. She was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School.  Born on Assumption day, August 15th, 1938, Susan was a music aficionado!  Recognizing her natural talent, her mother gifted her a piano for Christmas when she was just 8 years old. She took lessons and learned to read music but could also play any song by hearing it! She would go on to play for every holiday and special occasion while the family sang around the piano. This became a family tradition that was cherished by everyone. Beautiful songs in Italian and holiday Christmas classics were enjoyed by all. Influenced by the preaching of Billy Graham and the strong faith of family members she became a devout Christian and used her musical talents to serve in the music ministry at her church. Leading her music team for many years, she enjoyed worshipping with her family of believers.  A born leader, Susan was a pioneer in her time. She embodied what an independent, successful woman could look like. Her last job was working as the Deputy Director and Ombudsman of small buisness and economic development for I love New York programs.  She enjoyed taking road trips throughout NY State, especially to her events at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. She also worked for the New York State Bar Association and for a short period of time in real estate/ mortgages. For 22 years she worked as the administrative assistant to the CEO of Golub Corporation, and was the first woman appointed to the board of directors. She enjoyed her work and managed it the way she did everything - with style!  Susan’s outward beauty was stunning, but it was her inner beauty that drew people to her. Soft, kind and generous, she aged gracefully the way women are supposed to according to scripture, beauty that is from:  “The inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight”. 1 Peter 3:4.  Charming and unpretentious, she was a captivating personality who treated everyone with respect and thoughtfulness; a real people person who chose to see the good in everyone. She held strong political views, and liked to engage in intelligent discussions.  Susan enjoyed going to Saratoga to visit friends, take a New Year’s Eve stroll, and going to the race track. She enjoyed the Italian feasts in Schenectady, family barbecues, and holiday celebrations. Frequent trips to Jumping Jacks to watch the fireworks, the water ski show, or to have an ice cream were some of her favorite things to do. In her leisure time, you might have found her on the terrace with a cup of coffee, reading the paper, or doing a crossword puzzle while watching people and boats go by on the Mohawk River. She liked to watch Little House on the Prairie, Blue Bloods, Jeopardy and movies on Life Time and Hallmark.  Having traveled all over the United States and Europe, her fondest memory was the trip she took to Italy with her mother. They went to Rome and visited Frosinone, the town where her mother was born. She came back exuberant and shared the stories of the welcome they received and the generous tables of food and wine prepared by the loving family they were finally able to meet. She treasured her beautiful photos!  As the daughter of two immigrant parents, the late Maria and Joseph Gabriele, she learned to appreciate the simple things in life, to work hard and be considerate of those in need. Her vulnerability, compassion and trust for people humbled us all.  She LOVED her mama, and their relationship spoke volumes to us all. Her mother loved and protected her.  She sacrificed in many ways to give her the opportunity for a successful life. Susan in turn did that for her own children, sometimes in unconventional ways, making the most loving choices.  She prioritized family values, loving your neighbor and faith in God - following Jesus. Her children and grandchildren brought her endless joy and they in turn adored her!  They were her masterpiece - a legacy of everlasting love that took a lifetime to create.   Her motto: “don’t sweat the small stuff”.  She taught us to enjoy life, have a glass of wine, (but don’t get drunk), and have dessert!  Susan taught us not to live life with regrets.  Forgive yourself and forgive others.  Pray. Be a good friend!  Always make the effort to see the good in people.  It’s ok if you don’t make perfect choices. In the end you will discover it will all turn out the way it’s supposed to because of the love that’s in your heart!   Susan was a beautiful soul who left an indelible mark on the world.  She will never be forgotten by her friends and family and the many lives she touched. We will never forget her beautiful smile, deep-rooted faith, child-like spirit, and humble, warm, generous heart.  If you had more time, we’d hold your hands and beg you not to go.  But we understand, this is not your plan, and how were you to know? If you had more time, we’d tell you dear, we loved you from the start.  That you are now, and will forever be, living in our hearts.

Ti amiamo sempre mama.

Survived by her beloved children: Lisa Maria Disco, son-in-law, David Joseph Disco, Maria DiGiuseppe, George William Biancosion, Victor Joseph Wills, Angela Assunta Capullo, and son-in-law Mark Schuyler McGann and her adored grandchildren: Taylor Jensen Summer Disco, Stefan Robert Messick, Noah David Messick and Sara Lynn Biancosino, dear nieces, nephews, and many life-long friends.  Susan is also survived by her beloved Aunt Ana, and beloved cousins Joey Albanese and John Albanese,  and predeceased by her beloved brother Orlando E. Gabriele and her  beloved niece Regina Marie Gabriele. 

Yes, my soul, find rest in God. My hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at Bethel Full Gospel Church, 3625 Guilderland Ave., Schenectady, NY.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made for breast cancer research and to the City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305.

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