Marion F. Gange

Marion F. Gange died May 25, 2012 at Aston Gardens Assisted Living in Venice, FL. Born in West Haven, Ct; the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Placa) Gangi. She attended Yale School of Music in New Haven, CT. As a talented guitarist and professional musician, Marion played with the Ina Ray Hutton’s Orchestra, one of the best known all-girl’s bands in the mid 1930’s. Later Marion formed her own trio with Barbara Carroll as a steady pianist. Marion’s reputation grew in the musical world leading to be selected as the “Gibson Girl” for Gibson guitar’s advertising campaign. Marion recognized and accepted the opportunity to bring music to WWII veterans. Her trio became a part of one of the first USO hospital units to provide entertainment for veterans. Knowing the entertainment world well led her to locate in Dayton, OH where she produced and directed for WHIO TV, Dayton, OH. She retired to Long Boat Key, FL for the beautiful weather and musical contacts in the area. Marion was often heard to say “music was the best part of my life”. She is predeceased by brothers James, Frank, John, George, Albert, William; and sisters Josephine Loomis, Theresa Williams, Mae Krachenfels. She is survived by a sister Jeanette Gangi Saggio of Milford, CT, several nieces and nephews among them Vincent Gangi, Jacqueline Loomis Engstrom, Karen Krachenfels Strange, Dr. Robert Gange, Paul Gange, Lenore Saggio DiGioia, Joseph Gangi, Athena DeGangi, Mark Gangi, Catherine Gangi, William Saggio and Jean Saggio Getman. Burial will take place in New Haven, CT. Donations may be made in Marion’s name to the Alzheimers Association, Dayton, OH.