Barbara M. "Candy" Lombardo

Barbara M. "Candy" Lombardo, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Candy was born in Stamford Connecticut, to the late Thomas Lawrence Williams Jr. and Hyacinth (Heitzman) Williams. After graduating from Stamford Catholic High School, she attended University of Connecticut where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She continued her love of learning at Fairfield University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education, and then Southern Connecticut State University for her Certificate of Advanced Study in Administration and Supervision, before achieving her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership at University of Sarasota. Candy had a long, successful career in education and was an advocate for students with disabilities in her role as Director of Special Education in the school districts of Redding-Easton, Fairfield, and New Canaan, Connecticut.

Candy married her beloved husband Gerry Lombardo July 30, 1988 in Thimble Islands, Branford Ct. Upon retiring from New Canaan Public Schools, they re-located to Florida, where they built their “dream home” in which Candy enjoyed decorating and entertaining. “Retail therapy” was Candy’s favorite hobby, and she was also known for her quick wit and dry sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her, and those whose lives she touched.

Candy is survived by her husband of 32 years, Gerry Lombardo and their Bichon, Caydee; sister Kyle Vasina (Peter) of Sunset Beach, NC; sister-in-law Donna Popowski (Donald) of Bradenton, Fla.; brothers-in-law Robert Lombardo (Debi) of Waterbury, Ct.; John Lombardo (Penny) of Oxford, Ct.; and Armand Liguori of Naples, Fla.; nieces Logan Vasina, Taryn Vasina, Kiley Lombardo, nephews Thomas Liguori (Lindsey Pinto), David Liguori (Stephanie); and great nieces and nephews Danielle, Michael, James and Vivienne.

Candy was preceded in death by her sisters Lorraine Williams and Kimberly Liguori.

A Memorial Service for Candy will be in the spring at the convenience of the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ManasotaMemorial.com for the Lombardo family.

To honor Candy’s memory, donations in her name may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Rd., 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540.