Barbara Ann Gassman

Barbara Ann Gassman was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Barbara will be remembered as an exceptional person who cared for children and worked tirelessly for the benefit of the disadvantaged.

Barbara was born on February 20, 1945 at Millard Filmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York. She was the daughter of Helen and Bartolomeo Inzalaco. Barbara grew up in Tonawanda, NY.

Barbara was raised with two siblings. She had two younger sisters, Patricia and Charlene. She loved taking trips and vacations with her family, and her most memorable trip was to Spain with her sisters in which they witnessed the Spanish World Cup championship parade from her hotel balcony. She, and her family, have been on cruises together that produced many wonderful memories.

As a young girl, Barbara had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was a member of the Future Teachers Club at Tonawanda High School from 1960-1962. In her spare time she liked to read. However, to Barbara, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

As a teenager, Barbara worked tirelessly to advance herself. She graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1962 at the age of 17. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. She was a member of the Future Teachers Club from 1960-1962.

Barbara enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Barbara was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Buffalo State University.

Always considered a good friend to those she knew, Barbara enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. Later in life, she became friends with Susan Fontan, Susan Tesser, Cheri Zahn to name but a few.

Barbara worked hard to be a good mother to her son and she did her best to fulfill his needs. Barbara was blessed with one child, Jeff Gassman.

Fortunately, Barbara enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Barbara worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was an elementary educator and reading coach. She was employed for 51 years as an educator and was in her final year of teaching when she passed. Barbara always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic church.

Barbara passed away on April 7, 2019 at She passed away at Northwest Medical Center in Margate. She is survived by her father Bartolomeo, her son Jeff, and her sisters Patricia and Charlene. Services were held at Forest Lawn North. Barbara was cremated and will rest with her mother Helen in Forest Lawn North.

Simply stated, Barbara was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Barbara leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Barbara Ann Gassman.

A memorial service for Barbara will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com for the Gassman family.