Barbara A. Boland Gonnella

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Severin Gonnella, and her children, Carrie Gonnella and husband Brendan Daley, David Gonnella and partner Gwen Lennox, and Andrew Gonnella. She is also survived by a sister, Mary (Pat) O’Connor, sister, Anna (Frank) Baldiga, brother, John (Bev) Boland, brother, Robert (Sue) Boland, and many nieces and nephews.

Barb was the Manager of Transfusion Services at Laboratory Alliance of Central New York. She was also a board member of the Blood Bank Society of New York State, a volunteer hospital assessor for AABB for ten years, and submissions coordinator for the BBANYS newsletter. Barb graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical University and Bishop Grimes High School.

Barb lived her life to the absolute fullest. She enjoyed traveling with her family, cooking, biking, hiking, and playing golf. One of her passions was exercising at Trillium Fitness, and she loved the community there. Barb was always looking for new challenges; last year she completed her first Iron Girl Triathlon. Barb served as “Commissioner” of the Wednesday night Pitch league, where she ruled with an iron fist. She and Sev were perennial contenders; in fact, she left us while in first place for this season. Barb was a multi-tasker who gave 110% in her work life, home life, and to her family. She was unfailingly thoughtful, and lived her life with unparalleled integrity. She was the rock of her extended family and was quick to grace everyone with her smile. Barb was a wonderful human being, greatly loved by her colleagues, friends, and family. We are very proud that she was able to help many people through the gifts of her organs.

Calling hours are Sunday, February 17th from 2 to 5 pm at Farone & Son Funeral Home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, February 18th at 10 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville.

A scholarship is being created in Barb’s name. Contributions can be mailed to Upstate Medical University Foundation, 750 E. Adams Street CAB 326, Syracuse NY 13210 or submitted online at http://www.foundationforupstate.org.

Condolences may be offered at www.faroneandson.com.