Gabriel "Gabe" Bacco

Gabriel Bacco, of Monroeville, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the age of 97. 

Gabriel was born in Wilmerding on June 29, 1928 and was the oldest of 6 boys. In 1944, at the age of 16, he started helping out at his cousin Gabe’s barbershop in Wilmerding and began an apprenticeship. He obtained his Barbers License in 1947 and eventually got a job at a barbershop in Pitcairn. 

Gabe was drafted into the Army on December 5, 1950. He spent 14 weeks at Fort Knox and in March of 1951 traveled from Seattle, WA, to Korea, with a two-week stop in Japan for new uniforms and rifles first. He served in Korea from April to December 1951; Sapporo, Japan, from December 1951 to June 1952; and spent the last two months in the service in Indiantown Gap.

In Korea, Gabe served in the 1st Calvary Division’s 70th Tank Battalion and also was a jeep driver for his commanding officer. He also kept his barbering skills sharp by cutting other soldiers' hair, earning 40 cents per haircut. During his service in Korea, he received the Korean Service Ribbon with one campaign star.

After his time in the service, Gabe returned home and continued his career as a barber. He worked in Turtle Creek at Ralph’s Barbershop. In 1975, he opened his own shop in Eastland Mall and eventually moved to a location on Route 30 after Eastland Mall closed. His career as a barber spans over 80 years and he was still active until his death. 

Gabe was one of the founding members and Treasurer of the Wilmerding Italian/American Social Club. He was also a lifetime member of Monroeville/Pitcairn Sportsman Club where he used to shoot clay pigeons. In his spare time he loved to fish, hunt, and garden. And he took great pride in his yard and garden. His greatest love was time spent with his family, especially every Sunday when they all gathered for a pasta dinner. 

Gabe is survived by his loving children, Sam (Deidre) Bacco, William (Shawnna) Bacco, and Donna (Tom) Stewart. He was the proud grandfather of Nikki (Bacco) Swann, Jacqueline (Bacco) Exley, Jessi (Stewart) Leuthold, Gabriel Bacco, Thomas Stewart, and Emma (Bacco) Esposito. Great-grandfather of Sophia Swann, Emmet Swann, Jameson Swann, Madelyn Exley, Aubrey Exley, Ava Leuthold, Chloe Leuthold, and Leo Esposito. He is also survived by his brothers, Raymond Bacco and Ronald Bacco, and sister-in-laws, Mitzi Bacco, Gail Bacco, and Joan Bacco. 

He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife of over 70 years, Rosemarie (Gentile) Bacco; parents, Sabato “Sam” and Sarah (Botti) Bacco; brothers, Joseph Bacco, Patsy Bacco, and Larry Bacco; and sister-in-law, Gladys Bacco.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gabe's name to a local food bank or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at the Alfieri Funeral Home, Inc., 201 Marguerite Ave, Wilmerding, Pa 15148, 412-824-4332. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:30am at St. Bernadette Church of Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, Monroeville. Gabe will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors beside his beloved wife, Rosemarie, at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery Monroeville. Please visit us www.alfierifuneralhome.com for online condolences. 

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