Yolanda Anna (Gyuricza) Barbagallo passed away peacefully on 12/4/2023 at 80 years old in Rochester NY and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is predeceased by her youngest brother James. She is survived by her husband Thomas, the love of her life for 54 years; her daughter Karen and son-in-law Richard and twin grandsons Benjamin and Jonathan; her daughter Michele and son-in-law Lazaro; her younger brother Albert and sister-in-law Denise; a loving extended family and many dear friends.
She grew up in New York City, practiced Pharmacy after college, met Tom and raised their girls in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. She found herself teaching children’s church, substitute teaching at local schools, and fostering young children with Tom. Everyone who knew her knew that she always had more to give of herself to others. She moved to western NY to be near her grandsons a few years ago and again made friends with everyone she met.
Donations may be made in Yolanda’s honor to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America @ https://alzfdn.org/
Yolanda was a very special lady. She had a heart for the Lord and a heart for everyone she met. We will miss her very much. We send our heartfelt sympathies to her devoted family. The blessing in the sadness is knowing that she is with Jesus and family that passed before her. We feel blessed and privileged to have known her.
We are so deeply grateful for Mom/Yolanda Barbagallo and her life of service beyond belief to all she could give to. She was an angel sent to us✨😇 and will be missed beyond words can ever say.. Until we meet again face to face in a Better Place, we will always keep her very, very in our hearts and minds… 💕Daughter Michele & husband Lazaro
Yolanda, I remember that photo like it was yesterday. We were inseparable growing up in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. I even accompanied you to the Hungarian Church in Manhattan when you were taking Hungarian dance lessons! I loved every minute that I was with you. We were best friends until the end. I’ll miss you terribly, but I know that you’ll be watching over me with mom, dad, grandma, Jim, and Aunt Helen. You will always be here in spirit. Please give everyone a big hug for me! Love you lots. Hugs and kisses, your loving brother, Al
What a great picture of Aunt Yolanda! The memories of my visits with Dad up to Narvon are burnt deeply into my memory. What a life they lived in Amish county, so beautiful, so precious. I am so grateful I was able to have a long chat with her on the phone recently and if you listen, there was a lot of wisdom to be gained. She always seemed relaxed and at peace. I’m sorry I didn’t get to visit as often later in life, but I’m cherishing the memories that are running through my head.
Oh dearest mama you have left us way too soon, and yet despite the forever hole in our hearts without you physically here, we carry your gentle spirit, strength, and kindness with us in all we do and in all that we are. We celebrate your peace and joy knowing your pain and suffering have ended forevermore. We know you are partying in the sky with all those who have gone before, and we cannot wait for the day when we meet again. For it’s not goodbye, but see you later. All my love most precious mama, your loving daughter Karen Michele.
Spent a lot of time with the Barbagallo family while growing up. Mrs. “B.” was a shining example of Christian kindness to me. Her dear notes, her joyful laugh, and her famous stromboli recipe were some of her gifts that she shared with me. I know that Heaven has gained a precious soul. My heartfelt sympathy to Karen, Michele, and Mr. “B” and family and prayers for comfort and peace.
Oh dear Barbagallo family, So sorry for the loss you are experiencing right now. I am remembering back in my teenage years spending time with Karen @her house. Mr. & Mrs. Barbagallo showed so much kindness to me. Mrs. Barbagallo was always such a sweet and thoughtful person. I still have a necklace she gave to me as a birthday gift & remember she was very distressed once, when she noticed that I had a broken mirror in my purse. She took it upon herself to get a new one for me to make sure I would not cut myself 🙂 To Mr. Barbagallo, Karen, & Michelle + all your family, may God hold you close right now & bring you comfort & strength as you walk through these difficult days. I know God will carry you till the time you can all be together again!
Dear Barbagallo family,
Reading the other condolences bring back special memories for Steve and I. We met this special couple while attending Hopewell Community Church in Elverson. They were so friendly and kind. We remember Yolanda as being a gracious hostess and great cook. They always wanted to share their love for Jesus wherever & however they could. They jointly & faithfully taught children’s church @ Hopewell. My daughter Emily enjoyed children’s church very much. When she was older she helped them. Another way she shared her faith was her joy, peace and loving kindness towards others. Then she & Tom wrote a book which shared their testimony of coming to faith in Jesus as Savior.
We are enriched by her & her family.
Looking forward to seeing her again in our heavenly home one day.
Our sympathy to her family & may God comfort you ❤️
Steve and Dianna Shull