WATERTOWN- Lillian Charlotte (Ciancola) Gambardella, 92, of Watertown, died peacefully Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 at her home with her loving family beside her. She was the widow of James Gambardella.

Lillian was born in New Haven, Ct. July 23rd, 1931, daughter of the late Charles and Jennie (Piscatelli) Ciancola. She worked as a tennis club manager in North Haven , Milford and Bethany. She also was very active in  crafting fairs, knitting, sewing and making clothing. She spent much of her retirement in Sun City Center, Fl., where she taught pottery and made many friends.

Lillian leaves her son and daughter in law James and Laurine Gambardella of Watertown, son Gary Gambardella of East Haven,  grandchildren Matthew Gambardella and his wife Samantha, Liana  Gambardella, Sara Trerice and her husband Bob, Alyssa Gambardella, and great granddaughter Cassidy Kelley. She was predeceased  by her brother Joseph Ciancola and her sister Florence Pieczko.

ARRANGEMENTS - Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 30th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Watertown. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Naugatuck Valley Memorial Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North  Main Street Naugatuck, Ct. 06770. Contributions: St John Middle School, 760 Main Street, Watertown, Ct. 06795 or St. Mary Magdalen Elementary School, 140 Buckingham Street, Oakville, Ct. 06779. To send an online condolence please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.