GABRIEL SAMUEL ENSOGNA

22 MAY 1920 – 29 JUNE 2013

G.S. Ensogna, also known as “Bill” or “Gabe”, passed away on June 29, 2013, at his home with his family by his side.  A native of Winchester, Virginia, he was born at Winchester Memorial Hospital on May 22, 1920 to Mildred L. White and Samuel Ensogna.  Survived by his wife of 73 years, Bernice H. Ensogna; two daughters and their husbands, Sherry E. Stiles and Luther O. Stiles, Sharon “Nikki” E. Thomas and Richard M. Thomas; one grandson, Robert B. Young, III; one brother, Paul H. Ensogna; and numerous extended family in the Winchester area.  Bill has two deceased sisters; Marie E. Stickles and Louise E. Lewis: and a deceased daughter, Sandra L. Ensogna.  Bill also leaves behind his beloved grand-dogs, Diesel, Latte, Willie, and Betty.

Bill graduated from Handley High School in 1938, the same year he began courting his wife of 73 years.  Post-high school, he was hired at the Winchester Wholesale Grocery where he worked for two years.  Bill later attended the American Technical Society (Correspondence School) and graduated with an associate’s degree in 1940, with a focus in Business Administration. Bill and Bernice made their courtship permanent, and married on November 21, 1940.  Shortly thereafter, Bill was hired at Southern States Winchester Cooperative as an Assistant Manager, where he continued to work until he enlisted into the United States Army in 1943.

On June 1, 1943, Bill enlisted into the United States Army as an Aviation Cadet and upon completion of his training, served in World War II.  In October 1945, Bill was honorably discharged from the service in Fort Bragg, North Carolina for medical reasons and received the World War II Victory Medal for his service.  Years later, out of respect for his country and to show his patriotism, he joined up with the VFW.

After being discharged from the United States Army, Bill enrolled in classes at Akron University in Akron, Ohio.  He successfully completed several programs before returning to Winchester, Virginia and starting a long career with Southern States Cooperative.

Bill spent much of his life in the senior ranks of Southern States Cooperative.  After working as an Assistant Manager for eight years, Bill was promoted to Retail Farm Supply Supervisor in 1950.  Ten years later, in 1960, he was promoted again to Regional Supervisor over the Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland region.

In 1962, Bill and Bernice built their dream home in Winchester, Virginia where they raised their family – they have lived there ever since.  On June 1, 1985, Bill retired from Southern States Cooperative with over 40 years of service.

Bill is a life-long member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.  He became an usher in 1949 and remained active in the church until two years ago.  In his spare time, Bill enjoyed time with the family, working in the yard, fixing up the house, fishing, and he loved to read.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8 pm at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, as well as prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, from 10-11 am.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Ensogna will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday, at 11 am.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hebron Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 130 Keating Drive, Winchester, Virginia 22601, Lynn Care Center, 1000 N. Shenandoah Ave., Front Royal, Virginia 22630, or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601.