Obituary of Gina Klein

Gina (Vitulano) Klein, age 95, of Bridgeport, beloved wife of William Klein for 66 years, entered into eternal rest on August 11, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Born in San Severo, Italy on May 24th, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Carmine and Filomena Vitulano. She was predeceased by her brother, Anthony Vitulano and her sisters, Lina Pontonio, Anna Paglia and Mary L’altrella. Gina was originally named Luigina in honor of a young uncle who passed away shortly before her birth. She and her family migrated to Bridgeport, CT after the War in 1948. Within days, she started working at the Rose Dress factory and quickly embraced her new homeland. Gina would meet William (Bill) through a mutual friend at a church dance and were married on May 30^th 1955.  

In addition to her husband, Bill, Gina leaves behind five children: John, and his wife Ann-Marie; Deidre, and her husband Doug; Damian, and his wife Nancy; Adrian, and his wife Jackie and Matthew, and his wife Sabrina. Gina also leaves behind 15 adoring grandchildren: Rachel Sobolewski, Sara Klein, Nicole Lilly, Caroline Fisher, Melissa Klein, Esther Pepicelli, David, Klein, Christina Klein, Giovanni Klein, Michael Klein, Maria Klein, Francesca Klein, Keara Klein, Neala Klein and Liam Klein; 3 great grandchildren: Peter Allen, Ray Mendoza and Giulia Peppicelli and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. They all brought tremendous joy to her life.

Gina was a woman of faith that was the source of much strength throughout her life. She was a wonderful cook and served thousands of meals for family and friends with much love. After raising 5 children, she enthusiastically provided childcare for her grandchildren for over 20 years and instilled in them the importance of family traditions, faith and delicious food.    

Gina and her husband, Bill, were members of the Neocatechumenal Catholic communities for over 40 years, based in Bridgeport, where they both enthusiastically helped to spread a message of Christ’s love. Gina’s spirit was a beautiful gift to all that had the opportunity to interact with her. Her light will forever shine brightly in our hearts and minds.

The family would like to sincerely thank Gina’s caregivers for their compassionate care over the past 5 years: Doris Freeman, Lori Kowalkowski, Beverly Clark, Virginia Butler and Tiffany Palmer.

Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Monday, August 16, 2021, 10am at St. Raphael’s Church, 162 Oak Street, Bridgeport. Entombment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 5-7 P.M. at St. Raphael’s Church. Secure parking is available in the church parking lot.