Gina Chiarella Schum, 52, of Naples, FL, tragically passed away on Wednesday, March 13th. Gina was born on April 27, 1971 to Francis and Regina Chiarella in Waterbury, CT. After Gina graduated from Wolcott High School, she went on to study at Central Connecticut State University where she graduated with a BA in Communications and an Associate’s Degree in Deaf Studies.
Throughout college, Gina worked with Easterseals, a nonprofit that provides support services to the disabled. There, she became close with Vernon Hayes, a client of Easterseals who didn’t have any immediate relatives. After many fun outings and bonding, she decided to become his guardian as a young adult. He has been a part of the family ever since.
Gina married her husband, Mick Schum, in 1994. They had three children together, Beth, Danny, and Jack. Gina was a loving mom who put all of her heart and energy into raising her children. They resided in Mahopac, NY with their dogs Wagz and Beanz. The family had numerous adventures over the years, including annual vacations in the Outer Banks, NC.
Gina’s professional career was anything but boring. Gina and Mick started their first business WeRecycle!, an electronics recycling company, in 2003. In 2013, the couple opened their second business, Take 2. Gina was also a doula and childbirth educator. She taught expecting parents natural birthing methods and was there to guide them through the birthing process.
Gina enjoyed spending time with her mother. Over the years, they created many loving memories, especially those that were made in the kitchen. She carried this passion with her and loved to cook with her three children. At the age of 47 she decided to go to culinary school at the International Culinary Center. She quickly rose to the top of the class, helping out her classmates and becoming close friends with one of her professors.
With this love of cooking, Gina hosted parties and enjoyed having family and friends over. People were amazed at how well put together the gatherings were and, of course, how delicious the food was. Gina also went over the top for holidays, with her Thanksgiving meals lasting throughout the day and into the night. You had to make sure to wear stretchy pants at any of Gina’s events.
After 26 years of marriage, Gina and Mick divorced. It was then that she decided to move to Naples, FL. Their youngest child, Jack, chose to make the move with Gina and her mother. Gina loved her new community and friends. She quickly met people that enjoyed the same activities as she did; such as, kayaking, bocce, and soaking up the sun. The people closest to Gina would regularly hear her exclaim “How lucky are we?!” and “I love my life!” She was a joy to be around and lit up every room she was in.
Gina was predeceased by her father; Francis, and her brother; Gary Chiarella. She is survived by her three children; Beth, Danny, and Jack Schum, her two siblings; Michael and Marianne Chiarella, her mother; Regina Chiarella, and her former husband; Mick Schum.
Services will be held at Naples Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 20th from 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Easterseals (Easterseals.com/waterburyct), an organization that she felt strongly about and was connected to for much of her adult life.
Naples Funeral Home
Marilyn and Norm Lee
March 17, 2024, 11:10 am
Our Deepest Ssympathy to Gina’s Family. We have loved and enjoyed having Gina visit and reside at our .community. Gina is a lovely, energetic, kind and friendly person and we will all miss her so much. Gone far too soon. May you rest in. Peace Gina and our thoughts and prayers are with you, your children and your lovely Mom Regina.
Marilyn &. Norm Lee
Jeanine Syska
March 17, 2024, 10:42 pm
I am so devastated by this loss. You are a beautiful soul a strong ally and a breath of fresh air to everyone who had the pleasure to know you. For those who you chose to shine your light on it was a true blessing. I was blessed to be in the warmth of your light and you were so good to me. I hadn’t seen you in too long but that doesn’t mean you aren’t missed. You were like a sister to me. Your laugh and love will always be remembered.
For Beth, Danny and Jack and your beautiful family – there are no words. I can share from experience that you will learn to carry this and I hope that you choose to thrive everyday. It’s difficult – but please- wake up and decide – make that choice – to thrive because that’s is what she wants you to do xoxo. Such love from Jeanine Syska
Diana Moore
March 18, 2024, 12:53 pm
A Beautiful and full of life woman! She loved life. It was a gift to know her up close and personal the past year or more. She brought light, kindness and authenticity to all. I will miss you, Gina. I’m going to help to continue to take good care of your mom. Rest in Peace. Diana Moore
Brian Pinkosky
March 18, 2024, 5:15 pm
I am still in shock over this. Thank you Gina for giving me a chance with Take 2. I will miss you. Rest in paradise.
Marybeth T.
March 18, 2024, 5:36 pm
My condolences to Gina’s family. I’ve known her since elementary school, and throughout the years until we graduated high school. She was always bubbly with a smile on her face! May you fly the heavens
Debbie Morrison
March 18, 2024, 5:55 pm
Such a tragedy. I remarked to Gina often on social media how amazing she looked and what fun her life down in FL was. We met when we both joined Redding Golf Club In CT and our husbands became fast friends. My sympathies go out to her children and her mother who will miss her deeply. RIP Gina ❤️
Annette Feddersen
March 18, 2024, 5:56 pm
Our condolences to Gina’s family and dear friends. She was a beautiful woman full of love and joy. May she rest in peace. Prayers for all
Robin Moritz
March 18, 2024, 7:15 pm
This is very sad news to hear of Gina’s passing. Last week, I was thinking about Gina and Mick and how my friend Mary and I first met them. My friend Mary and I were at the Giants and Patriot’s Superbowl in Arizona and we met Gina and Mick at a sports bar. Mary thought Gina looked like someone she knew back in Boston. Well not long after, Gina and Mick introduced us to Gina’s sister Marianne. It has been a very long time since we have all got together. I was hoping to meet up again. My condolences to Gina’s children, siblings, and mother. So sad. You are all in my prayers. Love, Robin Moritz
Jackie Calderon
March 18, 2024, 7:46 pm
My deepest co condolences to the Chiarella & Schum families.
Joan Delott
March 18, 2024, 10:18 pm
I saw a post on fb that Gina had done promoting her son Jack’s window washing business. Since my son had a window washing business in high school I wanted to give Jack a shot. His work was meticulous and he was an exceptional young man. At my bocce league someone pointed Gina out to me and I just had to meet her. I told her what a fabulous kid she had raised and becoming friendly with Gina showed me why her son was so great. She was full of life and always had a smile on her face. My heart breaks for Gina’s family and close friends but I feel very fortunate to have known Gina even for a short time. May her memory be a blessing to all who loved her.
Leslie Silvestri-Snyder
March 18, 2024, 10:56 pm
We are deeply saddened by the news of Gina’s passing. Our sons are good friends thru Seacrest. We are sending prayers to her family, especially her children during this difficult time. Rest in peace.
Tara Magalski
March 19, 2024, 1:58 am
I’m heartbroken by this news. Gina was a bright light and made everyone around her feel loved. Her beautiful infectious laugh could fill the room with joy.
I’d like to express my deepest condolences for your loss. Covering your family with love, blessings, and peace during this difficult time.
Please know she is always with you and may she be your guardian angel and always guide your steps.
Love,
Tara & Michael McGrail
Cynthia Holland
March 19, 2024, 2:15 am
We send our heartfelt condolences and will keep you all in our prayers.
Love,
The Holland Family
Jerry and Rose Gaudio
March 19, 2024, 6:02 am
We were so sad to hear of Gina’s tragic passing. We met Gina, her Mom Regina and Sister Marianne at CCM. She was loving, kind and full of energy, always with a beautiful smile on her face. Our condolences to her entire family. May she rest in peace.
Janet & Dom Zappia
March 19, 2024, 3:52 pm
We just loved Gina! She was one of the first people we met when we moved to Florida. She was such a bright, shining light in our lives; we could never get enough of her. She loved life. She made people appreciate life. Deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and many friends. We’re heartbroken but we will meet again one day, dear friend.
xo
Freddy Gehie
March 19, 2024, 4:58 pm
I only met GINA couple of times at take 2 since I started working with the company January 2023, I would say I wish i had more time to work with you to get to gain more of take 2 experience and more of your enthusiasm and happy spirit, more of your commitment and the joy you used to spread around when you walk in the place.
Thank you for the encouragement and support you gave me, I will never forget it.
Rest in peace GINA
Dominique payraudeau
March 20, 2024, 12:11 am
I am so sad to learn of Gina’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and chef. I had the pleasure of getting to know her when she was a student of mine at the International Culinary Center where she was top in her class, and we stayed close friends. Gina was kind, a gifted chef, and a truly wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She will be missed.
Dominique
Howard Maxwell
March 20, 2024, 2:03 am
I am truly sorry for your loss…my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. RIP Gina
Howard
Linda Mennucci
March 20, 2024, 1:09 pm
Condolences to the family…Gina was a very sweet soul..the first time we met she mentioned that she had been to culinary school and wanted to come over..she brought this charcuterie board that was absolutely amazing..clearly she lived her life to the fullest extent..only time can ease this pain for the family but our thoughts will be with you…I have not been in town these last few weeks but I understand the memorial was beautiful..again my thoughts and prayers are with you…
Linda Mennucci
Terri Danisevich
March 20, 2024, 1:48 pm
Shocked and saddened to hear such sad, tragic news. It has been such a long time since I’ve seen Gina, but will always remember the special bond she had with Grandpa and her own positive personality. Can’t imagine the heartache you are all going through…lots of love to you all. Terri & Ian
Marguerite Manchester
March 20, 2024, 5:03 pm
We will miss Gina so much. She was always do pleasant and positive. We met her walking on the trail so many times. Condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Paula Lastra-Brightman
March 20, 2024, 5:50 pm
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Chiarella/Schum Families..It is with such sadness to hear this horrible news. I knew Gina through her brother Gary..whom passed last year..also through her Take Two Business. May she rest in peace! Sincerely..Paula Lastra-Brightman
Dana Mastropietro
March 20, 2024, 7:19 pm
Dana Mastropietro
March 20th 2024
Gina one of my dearest friends, l was so proud of you and all of your achievements and how well you did it all so gracefully. We had such great memories through the year’s I am so honored to call you my friend. I’ll always remember waiting in your room for you to finish your hair… LMAO l love you Gina and will always miss you…you will always be in my ❤️.xo.
Carol (LaPorta) Bosco
March 20, 2024, 11:35 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Schum and Chiarella families. I am deeply saddened to hear of Gina’s passing. My heart goes out to you all, such a tragic loss.
May you RIP Gina.
Love and prayers, David and Carol (LaPorta) Bosco
Scott Martin
March 21, 2024, 12:40 am
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Gina.
She was a a bright light.
My condolences to her family.
RIP Gina.
Brian & Cindy Meehl
March 21, 2024, 10:26 am
Mick,
Cindy and I are a so very very sorry to hear about you and your family’s sudden loss. Our thoughts are with you on this unbelievably sad day.
Lots of love,
Brian and Cindy
Rick Betancourt
March 21, 2024, 5:50 pm
Mick, Beth, Danny and Jack
Deepest sympathy to you and your entire extended family on the sudden passing of Gina. We would like to express our condolences to Gina’s mom, sister and brother during this sad time.
Prayers and love,
Lori, Rick, Cooper and Quinn Betancourt
Bill Schum
March 22, 2024, 12:04 am
To Gina’s family, we are sorry for your loss, wishing you strength
and comfort during this sad time
Prayers and love
Bill and Marguerite Schum
Luis Huertas
March 22, 2024, 1:14 am
My deepest condolences to the family. So sad to hear about this. She will be missed for sure. RIP Gina
Ken and Jan Danisevich
March 22, 2024, 4:06 pm
There are NO words.
Our love and thoughts are WITH you.
Iraida Chaparro
March 22, 2024, 10:33 pm
My deepest sympathy to the family. So very sad to hear this. RIP Gina
Angela Guerrera Malenfant
March 23, 2024, 3:16 pm
I had the pleasure of knowing Gina and the chiarellas during our childhood years on Disanto drive in Connecticut. Being neighbors, Gina and I walked to elementary school together, shared stories and laughed together. We also catched tad poles in the creek and caught fire flies at dusk, until it was no longer cool. Gina had an infectious smile and a compassionate heart who was known to show up at my house in her swim suit to invite us into her pool. We would walk to school together, Gina in her latest fashion trends. She was a social magnet with her dazzling smile and charisma, welcoming all into her heart. She was ambitious and courageous and undoubtedly would accomplish so much with her positive energy. Gina I’m so happy to have shared these childhood memories with you. They cannot be replicated. Condolences to Regina, Michael, Marianne and the rest of her family.
Georgann Lawson-Sprague
March 27, 2024, 4:04 pm
I was very shocked and sadden to hear of Gina’s passing. We both grew up in Wolcott and went to school together, I will always remember her smile and her laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Christine Schum Thompson
March 27, 2024, 7:35 pm
We are so very sorry for your loss of Gina. So unexpected and sad. We send send our love
and prayers to you, Mick, Beth, Danny, and
Jack and Mrs. Regina.
Love, Uncle Stan, Aunt Chris, Tim, Stephanie,
Emily, Anna, Mike, Wendy, Tripp and Piper.
Traci (Martinelli) Comeau
March 28, 2024, 12:46 pm
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gina’s passing. We grew up together, she was always upbeat and uplifting. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.