The Joseph and Marilyn Gabriele Scholarship Fund was originally created in 2010 and continues to have an impact to this day.
Deacon Joe entered the Diaconate as his extremely successful career as a Teacher, Principal and Assistant Superintendent of Schools was culminating. He became our Deacon in 1977 and ministered to the spiritual needs of our parish for 33 years. During that time, he also served for six years as the Archdiocesan Director of the Diaconate. His appointment to the Director’s role represented the first time in the United States that a non-priest or religious was asked to function in that capacity.
In 1984, after retiring from the Simsbury Public School system, Deacon Joe was asked to “temporarily” lead St. Mary’s School as Principal. His wife Marilyn was already a teacher at the school once Deacon Joe joined the staff, the Gabrieles continued to serve the school together for another seven years.
Deacon Joe and Marilyn passed away within 8 weeks of each other in 2015, however their presence continues to be felt through the scholarship that bears their name.
The scholarship awards up to $2,000 to two or more families (based on financial need) to ensure the continuation of a Catholic education at St. Mary's School. As our former pastor, Rev. William Metzler, noted in 2010: "What better way to honor a lifetime of achievement as educators?"