Obituary of Gino T. Fala

In loving memory of Gino Thomas Fala (88) of Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, who peacefully departed this world on January 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Affectionately known as "Baba," Gino was born on March 23, 1935, to Camillo and Lucia Fala and raised in Lower Merion, PA. He attended Lower Merion High School (Class of '53) where he played football and was known for being a small but mighty player.

After high school, Gino went on to serve in the United States Army where he was stationed in Korea on the DMZ. While in Korea, he discovered his talent for math and love of teaching when providing tutoring assistance to many of his fellow soldiers who wanted to complete their GED.

Upon receiving the GI bill, Gino pursued his higher education and earned his BS in Mathematics from West Chester University followed by a full fellowship to teach and earn his MS in Mathematics from Villanova University. This marked the beginning of his successful 60-year teaching career at various colleges and universities, including a 50-year tenured faculty position as Professor of Mathematics at the Community College of Philadelphia. He was a long-time member of the Mathematical Association of America and published in various journals in the field of mathematics. Through his teaching, he touched the lives of many and delighted in seeing his students gain the knowledge and skills to achieve their goals.

As passionate as Gino was about mathematics and teaching, there was nothing in this world that he loved and cherished more than his beloved wife, Nancy, his soulmate and the love of his life. Gino met Nancy in 1959 at the Chez Vous dance hall in Upper Darby, PA. He was a devoted husband to Nancy for 62 years of marriage. Together they created a beautiful life and were blessed with three children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He retired from teaching at the age of 78 and spent the last 10 years of his life relishing every moment with his beloved Nancy.

In his spare time, Gino loved spending summer vacations with his family in Stone Harbor, NJ and tutored many family members and friends when they needed help with math.

Gino is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughters Nancy Miller and Donna McFadden (husband Tom); son Geoffrey Fala (wife Toni); brother Vincent Fala (wife Judy); granddaughters Hallie, Noelle and Jessica; grandson Forrest; great grandsons Bobby and Rocco; and great granddaughter April.

Memorial services in Gino's honor, including visitation and mass, will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at St. Cornelius Church, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, PA.

10:00am – 11:00am Visitation

11:00am – 12:00pm Mass

A luncheon will be held immediately following the Mass at Harry's Savoy Grill, 2020 Naaman's Rd., Wilmington, DE.

The family would like to thank all their family members and the many friends and co-workers who helped in countless ways with their constant prayers, delicious meals provided and emotional support. We are deeply grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made in Gino's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com