Gina A. Tirabassi

Gina Antoinette Tirabassi, 89, affectionately known as “Grandma T” by all who loved her, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Born on the Fourth of July in 1936, to the late Peter and Amalia (Iacconianni) Marano, Gina’s pride in her Italian heritage and love for the USA began at birth. Happy to share her birthday with America, she was known to wear red, white and blue year-round. Gina often recalled fond memories of her childhood shared with her late siblings, Mary (Louis) Calchera, Guido (Mary Jane) Marano and Carmine (Dora) Marano in the City of Kenosha that she called home for 89 years.

Gina attended Bain Elementary School, McKinley Junior High School, and Mary D. Bradford High School, where she was crowned Prom Queen during her junior year. Gina then went on to attend the Cosmetology School of Milwaukee. She met and became engaged to the love of her life, Domenick Tirabassi Jr., and they married on July 28, 1956, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, followed by a spectacular reception at the Italian American Club. This coming July would have marked the celebration of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Gina and Dom were blessed with eight children in ten years. Amelia (Jim) Cicchini, Maria Tirabassi, Domenick “Rocky” Tirabassi III, Tina (Rick) Karnes, Michael (Tina) Tirabassi, Catherine Block, Gina M. Tirabassi, and Joseph Tirabassi. It was Gina’s joy and privilege to be a homemaker, welcoming her nieces, nephews, and children’s friends with a revolving door and a table full of Italian delicacies to enjoy. All were welcome, adored, and well-fed in Gina’s kitchen.

Gina earned her most cherished title, “Grandma,” over 40 years ago when she welcomed her first grandchild. Over the years, she was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren: Theresa (Chris) Lange and their children, Kayla, Kyle, Caroline & Timothy; Angela (Jon) Vitkus and their children, Lilly & Jonny; Rachel (Nate) Allemand, and their children, Grace & Attilio; Christopher Peditto; Tricia Tirabassi and her daughter, Ariana; Andrew Block; Adam (Catherine) Karnes, and their daughter, Esme; Michael James Tirabassi; Domenick IV (Christi) Tirabassi and their children, Anastasia, Domenick, & Gianni; Anna Block and her daughter, Harper; Olivia Block; Joseph Karnes; Isabelle Block; Juliana (Pete) Schuler; and Leah (Paul) Gierl.

Gina is survived by her loving sister-in-law, Mary Tirabassi, and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. In addition to her beloved parents and Marano siblings, she is preceded in death by her in-laws, Domenick and Amelia Tirabassi, Divina and Elmer Herzog, Adeline Tirabassi, Ernest Skau, Sr., and James Tirabassi. Gina greatly missed her dear friend, Rose Nigro, along with her nieces and nephews who have passed away. She especially looked forward to reuniting in Heaven with her grandson, Andrew Block.

Gina was a woman of strong faith, dedicated to daily worship of the Lord through her words, actions, and commonly used phrases such as “God Bless” and “It’s in God’s hands”. She committed herself to praying the rosary and reading her favorite psalms as she remembered those who held a place deep in her heart. She appreciated the simple things in life, such as gathering her family around the piano in song, watching the Green Bay Packers, and attending her family’s special events. Gina was the cornerstone and matriarch of the extended Tirabassi family, always welcoming friends and family into her home.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. A prayer service will be held on June 3rd, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home at 10:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the prayer service at St. Mary Catholic Church at 11:00 AM. Entombment at All Saints Mausoleum will follow the Mass.

The family invites you to make a donation in Gina’s memory to a charity of your choice or per the suggestions of the family: St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Joseph High School Endowment Foundation Inc., or the Outcast Recovery House.