Gabriella Dohanyos

Gabriella Egervari Dohanyos, age 83, of Woodbury, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born in Budapest, Hungary, on May 31, 1942, to Judith Bauer Egervari and Charles Egervari Sr., Gabriella fled her homeland with her family in the middle of the night at age 14 during the Hungarian Revolution. They eventually immigrated to the United States, where she became a proud citizen while always carrying deep affection for her beloved Hungary. The family settled in Waterbury, Connecticut, and she graduated from W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in 1960.

Gabriella built a remarkable career as a hairdresser that spanned more than six decades. She worked at several well-known Waterbury salons, including Barsi’s Beauty Salon and the Wild Strawberry, before opening her own Gabriella’s Salon of Beauty. Her clients often became lifelong friends, and even in their later years she continued to visit them in long-term care facilities, offering beauty and dignity. A true artist, she painted, cultivated expansive gardens, and brought beauty and sparkle to everything she touched. Her paintings remain treasured in the homes of many family members.

She was blessed to share her life with two wonderful husbands. With Richard Gumpert Sr., she raised two sons during their 32 years of marriage. She later shared 23 years with Paul Dohanyos, a man she had first met years earlier during her family’s journey to the United States. Family remained the center of her world. Her home was the gathering place for holidays and memorable celebrations, where she served as the family historian, capturing generations of laughter and togetherness through her prolific photography. Known for her uncommon beauty and charm, Gabriella was a gifted storyteller whose infectious laughter drew people to her and created instant connections.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Richard Gumpert Sr. and Paul Dohanyos. Gabriella is survived by her beloved sons, Richard (Theresa) Gumpert Jr. and Jesse (Mariah) Gumpert; her cherished grandchildren, Richard III, Paige, Joy, and Jacqueline; her brother, Charles (Michelle) Egervari Jr.; her sister-in-law, Janet (Rick) Ritucci; her nieces and nephews, Danielle (Mark), Chuck, Brandon, and Sean (Margaret); grandniece Giovanna and grandnephew Riley; godson Gergely Molnar; and dear friends Robert Barsi and Ryc Lynch. Her family remains grateful for the compassionate care provided by Kay and her team, Trinity Hospice, and Civita Care Center at Cheshire.