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Binghamton - Diane Karen Gartell, 78, of Binghamton, New York, was a loving partner, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away suddenly at her home on November 18.
If you knew Diane, you knew of her universal kindness and warm smile. You knew of her innate ability to make someone she just met feel like family.
She was happiest when hosting a dinner party with her favorite people, playing with her six grandchildren, fishing with Phil, or reading a three-day old newspaper on the couch.
Diane was born in Toledo, Ohio, and was the daughter of Frank and Pearl Bizzano. She attended the University of Buffalo, and spent many years as a school teacher and working mom. She took great pride in being a devoted member of the community, volunteering and being involved in countless charities in the greater Binghamton area and beyond.
She is survived by her partner of 26 years, Phil March; her daughters, Kerri Gartell Eng and Julie Gartell Tobin and her son, Michael Wesley Gartell; her sons-in-law Rick Eng and Michael Tobin, and daughter-in-law Emily Eckland Gartell; and the grandchildren she adored, Gabrielle Pearl Eng, Jonah Dean Eng, Zoe Taylor Tobin, Mia Avery Tobin, Zachary Max Gartell and Frankie Grace Gartell.
A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 18 at The Beef Restaurant on 62 Leroy Street in Binghamton. If interested, donations can be made in Diane's name to The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, 60 Morgan Road, Binghamton, NY 13903.
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Helaine Gold (Lender)
Although we lost touch, I fondly remember my neighbor and friend, Diane. It brought a smile to my face thinking about the fun and silly times we shared and how we practiced "learning" how to smoke "properly" so we could do that in public. Her smile was contagious and it seems she continued smiling through life.
Nathan Taylor
Sweet, Pretty, Funny girl....We had some great times together. She'll be missed !!
Michael Penchina
So sad, im glad we got to dance together at the last reunion, it will be a great memory.
RIP my friend 💋
Arn Strasser
As some of you might remember, Diane and I were girl/boyfriends in High School so it came as a special shock to hear she was gone. Years ago we spoke on the phone and had a good talk about the past. Because I was on the west coast, and did not attend the reunion, we never met again. Diane was a good person, gentle, kind and full of spirit. This brings back flashes of memory. I am saddened but grateful to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Janet Zelinka (Greenman)
For the three years we spent at GNNSHS, Diane was part of a tight group we formed along with Gerry Eysman and Helaine Gold. I have such fond memories of sleepovers at each other's homes, Diane full of energy, fun times and thoughts about the boys. Through Temple Beth-El, we went on conclaves and always enjoyed learning from Rabbi Davidson, Sunday school and confirmation.
Although we moved away from each other after school, it was always great to see each other at our reunions and reminisce about our special friendship in high school.
Molly (Peggy) Swan
Diane, such a dear friend from years ago. All those sleepovers, bridge games on Saturday nights in H.S. with Ellen and Cecile (Helaine too?) listening to records and singing along. We were so welcomed by each other's moms and siblings, so at home at each other's houses. We were really silly. And happy! The memories come flooding back, bringing smiles and also some tears. Diane, be at peace. And to all the friends ive lost touch with over these years, with me spending hunks of time in India and England and me happily living in Canada for the past 30+ years with my husband Norman (and with my name changed to Molly), wishes of peace and ease to you too! My heart goes out to Diane's family and all who miss her.
Roger (Seaman) Kelton
Vibrant, bright, witty. Adjectives which well describe Diane. I was lucky to have been part of a "double-date" foursome Senior year with Cecile Garfinkel and Arnie Strasser. Wonderful times. Thank you Diane for helping create those good times.
Larry Finch (Finch)
(Posted for Diane Godlis):
Ellen Rappaport (Schure)
Diane was fun, lively and good natured. We were a foursome with Cecile and Peggy. As I remember, we were always laughing when we were together and I can still hear her voice in my head. I am so glad that we were able to connect again at our last high school reunion. Diane hadn't changed. She was still so sweet and pretty and still full of fun.