Gloria A. Wielbruda 1934-2025

Gloria was born July 30, 1934, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Thomas and Clara Decola Leone, and was a lifelong area resident. She was a 1952 graduate of South High School and worked as a paraprofessional for most of her working years. Her passion was working alongside educators supporting students’ learning and overall well-being in an educational setting. She retired in 1997 after 25 years with the Liberty Local School District.

Gloria was a lifelong member of St. Columba Cathedral. She remained active in the community as a member of the Liberty Historical Society, where she served as vice president. In her leisure time, she was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed following the sport throughout the years.

Gloria is survived by two sons, Richard Wielbruda of Seattle, Washington, and Jeffrey (Kay) Wielbruda of Sierra Vista, Arizona; four grandsons, Anthony, Nicholas, John and Joseph; her sister, Ginger (Stephen) Kubala of Poland; two brothers, Thomas Leone of Poland and the Rev. James A. (Georgia) Leone of Boardman; and many extended family members.

Her husband of nearly 64 years, Frank J. Wielbruda, whom she married May 13, 1961, died April 1, 2025.

Gloria also was preceded in death by her sisters, Josephine Nave and Mary Reigle, and a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Leone.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at St. Columba Cathedral, 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

Interment will follow in Churchill Cemetery in Liberty Township, where Gloria will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Girard. Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to share this obituary and to send condolences to Gloria’s family.

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