Obituary of Gilbert Trabucco

Gilbert “Gil” A. Trabucco, co-owner of Winchester Testing Labs, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center with his family at his bedside, Tuesday night, January 12, 2010. Gil was born in Boston, the son of the late Joseph and Jennie Trabucco. Gil grew up in East Boston and Roslindale in a home that was rich in Italian traditions. In High School, he excelled in basketball and baseball. He served in the Army during the Korean War as a Private First Class and was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal. While in the service, Gil was awarded the opportunity to represent the United States in a World League Baseball Series. The U.S. team toured France and Germany and Gil was one the starting pitchers for the team. Gil was a hardworking and knowledgeable engineer. He specialized in nondestructive testing using industrial x-ray equipment. While working for AVCO, he worked on the testing and development of the heat shields on the first Apollo space craft. In recent years, NASA sought out Gil’s expertise for their current space programs. Gil then went to work at Raytheon, where he worked on the Patriot and Maverick missile systems. He has spent the last 20 years as co-owner of Winchester Testing Labs in Melrose. He loved his work and the opportunity of working with his son. Despite his illness, he was in his office up until 2 weeks ago. He was a member of the American Society of Nondestructive Testing. Gil made the most of his free time. He loved summering in Marshfield in the family cottage that was filled to the brim with family, friends, laughter, and memories. He enjoyed 20 years of wintering in Orlando Florida. He would have golfed 7 days a week if his schedule and health allowed. He loved taking his guests to Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studious, and the other Orlando tourist destinations. He loved sports and was a fan of all the Boston sports teams. All these interests were always made more special when they involved his family and friends. Gil always placed his family as his first priority and he leaves them a lifetime of memories. Gil was the husband of 53 years of Phyllis L. (George) Trabucco. He was the loving father of Daniel Trabucco & his wife Linda of Burlington and the late Gilbert Trabucco. He was the proud grandfather of Joseph Trabucco of Burlington and Brianna Trabucco of ME. He was the brother of Robert Dantona & his wife Bea of Wakefield and the late Joseph “Junior” Trabucco, Jr. and Joseph Dantona and brother-in-law of Anna Trabucco of East Boston and Dorothy Sava of Winthrop. Gil was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., BURLINGTON at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in Gil’s name may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted Street Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60642.