

Gail was the beloved wife of the late Daniel Zaneski and a devoted mother to Deborah Bogan and Daniel Zaneski II. She was a loving mother-in-law to Ed Bogan and Catherine Zaneski, both of whom she welcomed as cherished members of her family. Gail was a proud and adoring grandmother to William Gargone III (wife Alexandra), Ashley Fiorella, Madison Zaneski, and Daniel Connor Zaneski, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. Family was the center of Gail’s world, and she found her greatest happiness in supporting, nurturing, and celebrating the lives of those she loved.
Besides her children, Gail is survived by her beloved sister, Sandra Ariyan, as well as many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
A graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Gail valued education and lifelong learning. In her younger years, she had a passion for dance, an expression of her joyful spirit, grace, and love of creativity—qualities that remained with her throughout her life.
Gail dedicated her professional life to education. Throughout her career, she taught at many high schools, positively influencing students wherever she went. She spent over 20 years as an educator at Hamden High School, where she was deeply respected by colleagues and students alike and from where she proudly retired. Teaching business, Gail guided countless students as they prepared for college and future careers, always believing in their potential and encouraging them to strive for success. Her practical wisdom, steady guidance, and genuine care left a lasting impact on generations of students.
As the wife of a college football coach and high school teacher, Gail embraced a life filled with frequent moves and new beginnings. No matter where life took her family, she created a warm and welcoming home. Her strength, resilience, and quiet determination were the foundation that carried her family through every transition.
In her personal life, Gail found joy in shopping, gardening, traveling, and especially in celebrating and decorating for her favorite holiday, Christmas. The holiday season brought out her creativity and love for tradition, filling her home with warmth, beauty, and togetherness. She took great pride in making Christmas magical for her family and creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Gail was the heart of her family—the steady presence everyone relied on—strong, supportive, and endlessly loving. Her kindness, resilience, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road Madison, Connecticut.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Margaret Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison, Connecticut.
A graveside service will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Green Hill Road, Killingworth, Connecticut, where Gail will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gail's honor to The Hamden Ed Foundation by visiting https://www.hamdeneducationfoundation.org/donate
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