Gloria Grace (Gunderson) DelPrincipe, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, caregiver, and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her children, following an eight-year battle with Stage IV colorectal cancer and an 8-week battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Throughout her journey, Gloria faced her illnesses with the same strength, compassion, and determination that defined her life.

Born and raised in the Naugatuck Valley, Gloria was a proud graduate of Seymour High School, Class of 1965. She spent 24 years building a career in banking, retiring from ION Bank (formerly NSB) in February 2010. She was a graduate of the American Bankers Association–American Institute of Banking, where she earned professional certifications in General Banking and Bank Operations. Earlier in her working life, she was employed by Glendale and Uniroyal.

Gloria’s greatest legacy, however, was not found in a job title or a degree, but in the countless lives she touched through her selflessness, volunteerism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Gloria was a woman whose warmth, strength, kindness, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many. Her middle name, Grace, truly embodied who she was at her core. She carried herself with compassion, dignity, and a quiet strength, always finding ways to care for and support those around her.

She was an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and devoted many years to serving others. Her involvement with NEON — Naugatuck Ecumenical Outreach Network — was especially meaningful to her. Through her active participation and leadership, she worked to address food insecurity among local families and children, living the organization’s motto, “Helping Neighbors Feeding Neighbors.” Her service to others was not simply something she did; it was part of who she was.

Gloria was honored as the Eagles Club Mother of the Year in 2002 and was a Life Member and Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 1946.

Her commitment to children and young people extended far beyond her own family, leaving a lasting impact on her community. In the local scouting program, she served as a Den Mother for five years, and even after her husband and son were no longer actively involved, she continued teaching merit badge classes in banking, money management, and financial literacy, helping build confidence and real-world skills. In the schools her children attended, she served on several PTA boards and assisted in classrooms whenever needed, supporting both teachers and students. She even learned the game of soccer so she could step in and coach when volunteers were scarce. Across all of these roles, Gloria consistently created opportunities for children to learn, participate, and succeed, reflecting her belief in showing up wherever she was needed and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Gloria was married for 40 years to the love of her life, Robert J. DelPrincipe Sr., until his passing in 2007. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and memories that will continue for generations.

She leaves behind her children, Melissa A. Schenck (Thomas) and Robert J. DelPrincipe Jr. (Sherrie); her beloved grandchildren, Demetri DelPrincipe, Zachary Schenck, John “Jj” DelPrincipe, Jazlyn DelPrincipe, and Abel DelPrincipe; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, whom she loved dearly.

Gloria was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert J. DelPrincipe Sr.; her grandparents; her parents; her siblings; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and several close and cherished friends. She carried the memories and love of those she lost with her throughout her life.

Family was at the center of Gloria’s life. She was a caregiver by nature and welcomed not only her children’s friends, but their families, treating them all as her own. She was always there — supporting, encouraging, feeding, listening, and loving. She was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren and could often be found at ball fields, cheering from the sidelines and proudly supporting her grandchildren. She made it a priority to be present for their milestones, accomplishments, celebrations, and all of life’s important moments.

Gloria loved the simple things that made life special: family, friends, grandchildren, sleepovers, lobster rolls, a really good burnt Hummel hot dog, and Neil Diamond - her favorite artist. She was an avid sports fan, with a special love for the New York Yankees.

She also had a special love for flowers. Her flower boxes were carefully planted with flowers chosen to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, which brought her tremendous joy. She loved watching them visit and took great pleasure in creating a little haven for them.

West Haven Beach (Savin Rock) and Jimmie's held a particularly special place in Gloria’s heart. It was one of the places where she and Bob shared an early date, and it remained a cherished destination throughout their lives. They returned there yearly with their children and, later, their grandchildren. Even after Bob's passing, Gloria continued to return to the beach, carrying those memories and the love they shared with her.

Gloria’s life was defined by love and service. She gave generously of herself, whether to family, friends, children, neighbors, or someone she had never met. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. Her impact reached far beyond her immediate family, and she will be remembered by the many people whose lives were made better simply because Gloria was part of them.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, especially Dr. Victor A. Chang, MD, and Dr. Douglas Housman, MD, who were instrumental in Gloria’s care and well-being throughout her eight-year journey. They are also deeply grateful to AccentCare Hospice, especially her nurse, Jennifer, and PA, Jenna, who became very close to Gloria during the final chapter of her life. The compassion, care, love, and presence shown by all of these remarkable individuals brought comfort to Gloria and her family and held a very special place in Gloria’s heart, and her children will forever be grateful.

Gloria will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched.

Her greatest gift was simply being herself — someone who loved deeply, showed up for others, and always found a way to help

Arrangements – Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 9 to 11 am at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. At 11 am, her funeral procession will proceed to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church for a service at 11:30 am. Committal will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial Contributions in Gloria’s Name may be made to NEON c/o St Michael's Episcopal Church, 210 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770.