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WARREN -- Gina Maria Luigia Vittoria Abruzzi Bodor, 86, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Gina was born Sept. 9, 1939, in Dessie, Ethiopia, just nine days after Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of the Second World War -- a remarkable moment in history. She was born to Marco and Elisa Abruzzi of Collelongo, Abruzzo, Italy. Her father was stationed in the Italian military in what was Italian East Africa. During the war, her family returned to Italy, where she spent her childhood before emigrating to the United States in 1955.
She graduated from Howland High School in 1958 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Spanish at Ohio University from 1958 to 1962. In addition to her Italian citizenship, she also became an American citizen in 1960.
In 1963, she married Frank R. Bodor, an attorney (and formerly Assistant Attorney General of Ohio) who practiced law for 63 years. They shared a lifelong commitment to their family, education, public service and the enrichment of their community. They fostered many causes and initiatives, including the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra and its "Strings of Joy" program. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage, until his passing in 2019.
In 1984, Gina earned a certification for teaching Italian at Youngstown State University. In 1986, she earned a Master of Arts degree with graduate study in both French and Spanish at Kent State University, and subsequently taught French and Italian for decades.
One of her most cherished experiences was in the early 1960s when she studied at the Sorbonne of the University of Paris, earning a Diplome d'Etudes de Civilisation francaise (Degree Superior). Paris left an indelible impression on her, deepening her love of art, literature, philosophy and language.
Gina devoted her professional life to education, inspiring generations of students through her love of teaching. She taught French for grades 9-12 at Howland High School from 1962 to 1967. In the early 1980s, together with her husband and others, Gina formed an independent elementary school called the Heritage Academy, which started with only 12 students, providing a rigorous educational experience grounded in strong academics, curiosity and character.
In 1983, she founded and directed the G.A. Bodor Foreign Language School, where students studied French, Italian, Spanish and German. She also provided private instruction in foreign languages for many years.
She was a prolific reader, gifted linguist and educator. Her curated library reflected her lifelong dedication to the arts and humanities.
Gina's commitment to her community extended beyond the classroom. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and Public Affairs Committee Chairperson for the Warren YWCA, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Christ Episcopal Nursery School, President of the Trumbull County Bar Association Auxiliary, a Judge for the English Festival at Youngstown State University, and Advisory Board Member at the Kent State University Trumbull Campus, where she was awarded Emeritus Member status. Subsequently, as President of the Trumbull County Historical Society, she led efforts to preserve local history, securing a $150,000 grant from the State of Ohio for restoration of the historic John Stark Edwards House, initiating the digitization of the Society's collections, and authoring "A Thumbnail History of Trumbull County, Ohio and the Story of John Stark Edwards, 1777-1813."
Those who knew Gina will remember her for her beauty, elegance, generosity, intellect and sense of humor. She approached every endeavor with grace, pragmatism and quiet determination. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, aunt and grandmother whose greatest joy was her family.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Danielle (Antony) Sheriff of London, England; her son and daughter-in-law, Brian (Alison Reich) Bodor of Arlington, Virginia; four granddaughters, Chiara, 23, Alexa, 22, Alessandra,15, Francesca, 15; her grandson, Lorenzo, 14; and her niece, Rose Lombardi Noritake of St. Petersburg, Florida; and nephew, Frank Lombardi of Warren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Marco and Elisa Abruzzi; a brother, Gino Abruzzi of Collelongo; a sister, Duilia Abruzzi Lombardi of Warren; and a brother, Joseph Abruzzi of Warren.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road, Warren. Prayers and eulogies will be held between 4 and 5 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, St. James Church, 2532 Burton St. SE, Warren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, P.O. Box 8507, Warren, OH 44484, Strings of Joy, which can be found on the Warren Philharmonic website (https://www.warren-philharmonic.org/strings-of-joy).
Visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to the family.
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