Survivor List
(last names beginning with "G")

Thousands of circus fans attended the afternoon show on July 6, 1944, and many were fortunate enough to survive the blaze. Here are the names of some of the survivors, also including names of persons who helped or are otherwise associated with the Hartford circus fire.

Names sorted by "last name first"; in cases of women who married after the circus fire, their name in 1944 is used when known. The search function at the top of the page can also be used to search the entire website for a specific name or term.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L -M - N - O
P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Gagne, Mrs. Lauretta; 109 Lenox St, Manchester
  • Was awarded $2,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Gagne, Thomas P. (minor); 109 Lenox St, Manchester
  • Was awarded $400 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Gale, Donald S.; 145 Cannon Rd, East Hartford
  • Was awarded $5,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC
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Gale, Donald S. Jr. (12); 143 Cannon Rd, East Hartford
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/44, critical condition.THC 
  • Was awarded $75,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire. Donald received severe burns which deformed his fingers.THC 
  • Mr. Gale is interviewed in the documentary film Disasters of the Century: When Laughter Turns to Tears.
Gallagher, Aileen (Schultz) (adult), Middletown
  • Attended the circus with her husband Frank, their son Timothy, and her brother Carl W. Schultz.  Everyone in the group escaped safely.  Read the Gallagher family story here: Personal Accounts - Page 7.
Gallagher, Francis (Frank) J. (adult), Middletown
  • Attended the circus with his wife Aileen, their son Timothy, and Aileen’s brother Carl W. Schultz.  Everyone in the group escaped safely.  Read the Gallagher family story here: Personal Accounts - Page 7.
Gallagher, Timothy L. (5), Middletown
  • Attended the circus with his parents, Frank and Aileen Gallagher, and his uncle Carl W. Schultz.   Everyone in the group escaped safely.  Read the Gallagher family story here: Personal Accounts Page 7.
Gallivan, Eileen (adult)
  • Attended the circus with her daughter, Jean Gallivan, and niece, Mary Elizabeth Landers. The three sat on the top bleacher seat to the left of the main entrance.  They jumped from their seats and escaped under the tent just before the entire tent became engulfed in flames.  Read Jean Gallivan Burke's story here: Personal Accounts - Page 4. 
Gallivan Burke, Jean (4 1/2)
  • Attended the circus with her mother, Eileen Gallivan, and cousin, Mary Elizabeth Landers. The three sat on the top bleacher seat to the left of the main entrance. They jumped from their seats and escaped under the tent just before the entire tent became engulfed in flames.  Read Jean Gallivan Burke's story here: Personal Accounts - Page 4. 
Galloway, Harold (37); 331 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield
  • Harold was injured when he tripped over a stake while escaping the circus fire, and was awarded $500 by the arbitration board for his injuries, which included a lacerated leg.  Mr. Galloway, married with three children, was employed as a business agent for the Truck Driver's Union Local 671.
Gaudreau, Frances; Simsbury
  • Still remained at Hartford Hospital, Monday, July 11.THC 
Gay, Carol Ann (4); 54 Woodbridge Ave, East Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her aunt and uncle Rita and Raymond Allen, and her cousin Barbara Allen. The group sat in the Northwest Bleachers and they all escaped safely.  
Gay, Mrs. Mary; 854 Park St, Hartford
  • Was awarded $1,200 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
George, Howard; Simsbury
  • Was awarded $500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Giansiracusa, Concetta "Tina" (16); 66 1/2 Green St, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Giansiracusa, Santina "Sonny" (13); 66 1/2 Green St, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Giber, Barbara (10); 245 Magnolia St, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her sister, Sandra, and their mother Belle Giber.  All of three escaped with only Belle suffering minor injuries.   
  • Barbara (Giber) Gross died January 21, 2018.  [link to obituary]
Giber, Belle (32); 145 Magnolia St, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her daughters, Barbara (10) and Sandra (4).  They arrived after the show began and took the first available seats they could find near the exit.  They were all able to escape, with Mrs. Giber suffering minor burns, bruises and nervous tension.  She was awarded $1,000 for her injuries.   
  • Belle Giber, widow of Jacob Giber, died Jan 2, 1993. 
Giber, Sandra (4); 245 Magnolia St, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her sister, Barbara, and their mother Belle Giber.  All of three escaped with only Belle suffering minor injuries.   ​
Gionfriddo, Paul (minor); 396 Garden St, Hartford
  • Was awarded $1,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Gionfriddo, Paul, Sr.; 396 Garden St, Hartford
  • Was awarded $4,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Gnagi, Howard; Cpl., Sec. “B” 121st, A.A.A. Base Unit, Bradley Field
  • Attended the circus with a group of convalescing soldiers from Bradley Field in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.  The group sat in Reserved Section A, first and second rows.  At the conclusion of the animal act, they heard a cry of “FIRE” from behind them and to their left; they looked back and saw fire where the sidewall meets the roof canvas.  When the fire began to spread rapidly, the group hurried out of the big top.  
Goddard, Barbara (14); Cumberland Rd, West Hartford
  • Barbara attended the circus with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Goddard and sister Sally. All would survive by leaping from the top of the grandstand on the South side of the arena, though Sally suffered a back injury.THC 
Goddard, Mrs. Paul (adult); Cumberland Rd, West Hartford
  • Mr. and Mrs. Goddard attended the circus with their daughters, Barbara and Sally. All would survive by leaping from the top of the grandstand on the South side of the arena, though Sally suffered a back injury.THC 
Goddard, Paul B. (adult); Cumberland Rd, West Hartford
  • Mr. and Mrs. Goddard attended the circus with their daughters, Barbara and Sally. All would survive by leaping from the top of the grandstand on the South side of the arena, though Sally suffered a back injury.THC 
Goddard, Sally (18); 25 Cumberland Rd, West Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her family, all survived. Sally was hurt when she leaped from the top of the grandstand on the South side to escape the flames. She received treatment for a fractured spine at St. Francis Hospital.THC  
  • On injured list at St. Francis hospital with back injury, Friday night 7/7/44.THC 
  • Still remained at St. Francis Hospital Monday, July 11.THC 
  • Was awarded $15,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Gokey, Paul; 125 Governor St, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, sat in bleachers on right side with his wife and four children.
Goldberg, Mrs. Virginia (adult); Charter Oak Terrace, Hartford
  • Was awarded $5,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Goldsmith, Mollie (adult)
  • Attended the circus with her daughter, Phyllis Goldsmith.  Sat on left side, was able to escape because someone cut the tent.  
Goldsmith, Phyllis (9)
  • (aka Phyllis Goldsmith Keich) Attended the circus with her mother, Mollie Goldsmith.  Sat on left side, was able to escape because someone cut the tent.  
Goldsmith, Uriel J. (8)
  • Went to the circus with his cousin Louis, both survived.  
  • Uriel wrote a letter to his parents describing his experience at the circus that can be viewed at the Connecticut Historical Society website.  
  • Uriel was interviewed for an NBC news story, video can be viewed here.
  • Uriel J. Goldsmith ("Uri") died on April 20, 2022 at the age of 87. [LINK to obituary / Back-up LINK]
Golotto, Frank (30); 262 Burnside Ave, East Hartford
  • Mr. Golotto was keeping steady company with Hulda Grant, and took her and her daughter Caroline Brown and neighborhood by Donald Gale to the circus, and they all sat together.  When the big top began to burn, Frank took Caroline and Donald to safety.  Donald received serious burns, Hulda was fatally injured, and Frank and Caroline were relatively unscathed.  
Gonci, Elizabeth (27); Coventry
  • Narrowly escaped, with her young family, from the Hartford circus fire.
  • Elizabeth "Betty" Gonci passed away on May 18, 2022 at the age of 105. [link to obituary / back-up link]
Gondreau, Frances; Simsbury
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
Good, Clifton, Hartford
  • Was awarded $200 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Good, Donaldo, Hartford
  • Was awarded $1,600 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Goodman, Seymour; P.F.C., Bat. “A” 539th, Bt. Bradley Field
  • Attended the circus with a group of convalescing soldiers from Bradley Field in Windsor Locks, Connecticut.  The group sat in Reserved Section A, first and second rows.  At the conclusion of the animal act, they heard a cry of “FIRE” from behind them and to their left; they looked back and saw fire where the sidewall meets the roof canvas.  When the fire began to spread rapidly, the group hurried out of the big top.  
Gora, Mrs. Carmen M.; 15 Portland St, Middletown
  • Was awarded $1,250 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Gordon, Clarence
  • On the Injured List at Municipal Hospital, 7/7/44.THC 
Gorham, Rebekah (Evans)(31); Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her son Walter E. Gorham, her mother Mrs. Mary L. Evans, and her brother Lawrence N. Evans. The group moved down from the back row of bleacher seats while watching the acts.  When the fire broke out, they all became lost in the stampeded, but were able to meet up together outside.  Read Lawrence N. Evans’ story here: Personal Accounts ~ Page 8. 
Gorham, Walter E. (child); Hartford
  • Attended the circus with his mother, Rebekah Gorham, his grandmother Mrs. Mary L. Evans, and his uncle Lawrence N. Evans.  The group moved down from the back row of bleacher seats while watching the acts.  When the fire broke out, they all became lost in the stampeded, but were able to meet up together outside.  Read Lawrence N. Evans’ story here: Personal Accounts ~ Page 8.
Goshdigian, David (3); 62 Sisson Ave, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with his parents, Violet and John Goshdigian, and all escaped.  Read the whole story of the Goshdigian's circus fire experience here: FIRE!!
Goshdiigian, John K.; 62 Sisson Ave, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with his wife and son; read the whole story of the Goshdigian's circus fire experience here: FIRE!!
  • Mr. Goshdigian suffered from a severely sprained ankle and multiple strains and contusions about his body, and was awarded $3,350 by the arbitration board for injuries received while escaping the fire.
Goshdigian, Mrs. Violet; 62 Sisson Ave, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her husband and son; read the whole story of the Goshdigian's circus fire experience here: FIRE!!
  • Mrs. Goshdigian suffered multiple strains and contusions about her body while escaping from the burning big-top, and she was awarded $400 by the arbitration board for her injuries.
Graf, Charles A. (43), Hartford
  • Hartford Police Department Sergeant Graf was assigned to the Hartford circus in July, 1944 and was the first one to notify dispatcher Francis J. "Star" Kelly of the circus fire on Barbour Street. (from 2/22/64 obituary) THC 
Graham, Mrs. Emily; 62 Summer St, Meriden
  • Was awarded $2,000 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
Grape, Mrs. Blanche W. (adult); 22 Morris St, Hartford
  • Mrs. Blanche W. Grape and Seth Grape, husband and wife, were awarded $2,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
  • Attended circus with neighbors Dorothy Bocek, Stella Marcovicz and Francis Markovicz, Jr.; Stella and Francis would die in the fire.
Grape, Seth (adult); 22 Morris St, Hartford
  • Mrs. Blanche W. Grape and Seth Grape, husband and wife, were awarded $2,500 by the arbitration board for injuries received in the fire.THC 
  • Attended circus with neighbors Dorothy Bocek, Stella Marcovicz and Francis Markovicz, Jr.; Stella and Francis would die in the fire.
Green, Daniel (adult)
  • Attended circus, helped with the aftermath and came home covered in soot and crying about what he had seen. Read more from Mr. Green's grandson here: Personal Accounts - Page 6, including a photo of his circus ticket.  
Grenier, Ronald F. (child); Clarke St, Hartford
  • Ronald sneaked into the circus by sliding under the sidewall canvas of the big top.  When the tent caught fire, he escaped the same way.  After the fire, he saw trucks carrying the dead to the morgue.  Ronald's mother saw the commotion from their home nearby, and ran to the circus grounds in high heels knowing her son was there.  
Gresh, Michael B. (14)
  • Mentioned on a memorial brick.
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Griffin, Richard (7)​
  • Went to the circus with his mother, two cousins, and his grandparents, and they all sat at the top of the bleachers, middle of the section.  Richard's grandfather was the chief of police in Avon at the time.  When they saw the fire spreading, they went to a pole and slid down to safety, with only some friction burns. CFM 
  • Richard Henry Griffin Sr. passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2022, surrounded by his family, at the age of 85. [link to obituary / back-up link]
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Griffin, Miss Nellie B. (23); 180 Capen St, Hartford
  • Attended the circus with her niece, Miss Geraldine Nelms. Escaped with her niece by crawling under the bleachers, praying as she went. After leaving the circus grounds, she went to Municipal Hospital and worked most of the night.AA 
  • Miss Nellie Griffin,  a Red Cross Nurses Aid and a USO performer, had just entered the big top with her 10-year-old niece Geri and they were taking their seats when Nellie saw smoke to her right.  They jumped off the top of the bleachers, and others jumped on top of them.  They were able to crawl through a slit in the big top sidewall and escape.  Geri's mother came and took her home, and Nellie went back to help, including tripping some people who were running while on fire, and rolling them to smother the flames. CFM
  • Nellie (Griffin) Holmes Mason passed away peacefully on February 4, 2016. [obituary]
Gronefeld, Paul Joseph (29); PFC, US Army Air Corps
  • While Mr. Gronefeld was recuperating at an Army hospital, he attended the circus with the Red Cross and some other patients.  When Paul and his buddies saw the fire, they crawled under the big top sidewall canvas to escape, then they went back in several times and pulled out as many people as they could.  
Guertin, Mr. & Mrs. Claude; 10 Queen St, Hartford
  • Provided a witness statement, seated in bleachers on right side. 
Guzzo, Carl Jr. (13); 42 Liberty St, Hartford
  • On the "Missing List", Friday, 7/7/44.THC
Gwinnell, Mr.
  • Mr. Gwinnell worked as an usher for the circus. He was standing at main entrance, saw the fire when it was 5 to 6 feet from the ground on the side wall and went to the spot to try to fight the fire. Testified that he believed a cigarette or match started the fire, because he's seen similar fires during dry season at other locations.WS 

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P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Sources:

TWT: The White Tops magazine
WCF: Women and Children First by Donald H. Roy
CFR: Circus Fire Reminiscences (Manchester Public Library)
CFM: Circus Fire Memories
MEH: Manchester Evening Herald
TCF: The Circus Fire by Stewart O'Nan
UPI: United Press International
SDN: Springfield Daily News
JOWBR: JewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry
THC: The Hartford Courant