Barbara Ann Gennaro

Barbara A. “Barb” (Schwager) Gennaro, 84, of East Hartford, wife of the late Joseph Frank Gennaro, Sr., peacefully entered into eternal life on Thursday, July 24, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Born in Hartford on November 17, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Margaret (Coughlin) Schwager, she had been a resident of East Hartford for the past 82 years. Prior to her retirement, Barbara worked as a Bank Teller at Santander Bank for 25 years and then as a Customer Service Representative for Big Y Supermarkets of Manchester for 10 years. Barbara took great pride in her job as a bank teller and her other roles. She was admired by her colleagues for her kind heart and dedication.

Barbara was a woman of warmth, laughter, and boundless love. Her devotion to her family was unwavering—she was the heart of every gathering. Her love extended beyond bloodlines; if you were her friend, you were family.

She had a joyful passion for the little pleasures in life. A true TV enthusiast, she found comfort and excitement in her favorite shows, never missing an episode of a crime or game show. Everyday she had a list of people she would call to touch base while having her coffee. A fashion lover through and through, Barbara had a unique style that reflected her vibrant spirit. She wore every outfit with confidence and grace, never leaving the house without a jacket on and her hair done.

Barb is survived by a son, Joseph F. Gennaro, Jr. of East Hartford; a daughter, Katherine M. LaRosa and her husband Stephen of South Windsor; four special grandchildren, Anthony M. Gennaro and his wife Stefanie of Bloomfield, Joshua A. Gennaro and his significant other, Linda Savatdy, of Manchester, Olivia K. LaRosa of South Windsor, Nicholas S. LaRosa of South Windsor; three adored great-grandchildren, Zoe-Ann and Ti-Guy Gennaro of Bloomfield and Addalyn Gennaro of Manchester. She also leaves three brothers, Donald Schwager, Timothy Schwager and William Schwager all of East Hartford; several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Besides her parents, Barb was predeceased by her husband Joseph F. Gennaro, Sr. and a grandson, Joseph Frank Gennaro, III of East Hartford.

Funeral service will be Friday (August 1st) at 11:00 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Thursday (July 31st) from 4 – 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barb’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital New England Regional Office, 313 Washington Street, Suite #310 , Newton, MA 02458. This charity was near and dear to Barb’s heart. Barb’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Hartford Hospital Intensive Care Unit as well as her thoughtful caregivers. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com