It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Barbara Lee Ettleman Gamino, known as Bonnie, age 75, of Fayetteville, TN. Bonnie was born on August 7, 1944 in Atlanta, Ga, to the late Walter Irving Ettleman, Jr., and Loretta Hazel Eppert Ettleman. Mrs. Gamino passed away on July 31, 2020, at Hospice Family Care in Huntsville, AL, surrounded by her loving family.
Survivors include her daughter, Judy Gamino Quinn (husband, Kevin) of El Paso, TX; William “Tony” Gamino (husband, Ryan) of New York, NY; Sean M. Gamino (wife, Nadene) of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren Lance Quinn (wife, Mariekie) of Ojai, CA, Sean Quinn (wife, Elly) of Santa Clarita, CA, Magen Gamino of Huntsville and Kylie Gamino of Huntsville; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gamino was preceded by her sister Diana Ettleman Hawfield, and husband of fifty years, Col. (Ret.) John Michael “Mike” Gamino on June 5, 2020.
Bonnie worked in Civil Service in support of the US Army for more than 25 years as a Professional Secretary. She was the Hospital Chairwoman for the American Red Cross in Berlin, West Germany from 1980-1981 where she received the Meritorious Service Award. Bonnie was a professional secretary serving in the Pentagon when she met her husband Mike Gamino. She left Civil Service temporarily to be a military wife and raise her three children. She was a dedicated member of the Officer Wives Club throughout her husband’s career and served on a variety of military support boards. Upon moving to Huntsville, AL in 1986, Bonnie returned to civil service supporting the Chaplain’s office on Redstone Arsenal. She later became the executive secretary for the Program Manager of the THAAD Project Office, retiring in 2006.
She was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville where she greatly enjoyed celebrating her faith and participating in church activities such as family game nights, the quilling club, church choir in years past, potlucks and the annual Harvest Happenings. Bonnie always had a casserole ready for the next church function. She loved to help with fundraisers and serving her community through the FCE Women’s Club.
A memorial service will be held at 6 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, TN. Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM until 6 PM on Thursday at Higgins.
Memorials may be made to New Leash on Life, 707 Andrew Jackson Way,
Huntsville, AL 35801 in memory of Mrs. Gamino, an avid animal lover.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Barbara Lee “Bonnie” Ettleman Gamino.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bonnie Gamino, friend and coworker. She was always had a positive attitude, willing to take on whatever challenge was presented and serve wherever she could contribute. Blessings and prayers for her family.
Mike and Bonnie were two of my favorite people at St. Anthony. I was very proud of Mike’s military service and Bonnie’s as well. We will all miss the cards on special occasions she was so faithful to write. RIP
Bonnie was a dear friend & will be missed by all our FCE members. She had such a good sense of humor & always smiling. Loved her very much. RIP dear lady.
We are going to miss our dear and beloved friend. My heart breaks for her family. Her cheerful demeanor and smile will be gone in our FCE meetings and we shall miss her so much.
Mrs. Bonnie was a wonderful and caring friend she will be miss in our FCE club. May she rest in peace.
Such a loss for us losing good neighbors and close friends of both Bonnie & Mike. We loved them so much along with their family. In heaven they are now together celebrating their 50th Anniversary. We’ll miss you both and God Bless and take care.
Our hearts break for this wonderful family. Judy, Tony and Sean please know you are in our prayers. Your Mom and Dad are an irreplaceable part of St. Anthony’s Parish.