Mrs. Gloria C. (Ciccone) Ambruso

Mrs. Gloria C. (Ciccone) Ambruso, age 93, of North Utica, passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 with the love and support of her family in her heart. Born in Utica on January 26, 1923, Gloria was the daughter of the late Alexander and Josephine (Ioia) Ciccone. Gloria attended T.R. Proctor High School. On November 11, 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, Rocco “Rock" D. Ambruso, with whom she shared a loving union of 64 years. They were devoted to each other and admired by all for their true love. Rocco passed away on July 11, 2009. Gloria began her working career at Kirk Guild in Whitesboro and subsequently accepted a position as a clerk at Griffiss Air Force Base during World War II. She ventured into another vocation when she graduated from the Utica School of Beauty Culture and began working as a licensed beautician at the Boston Store, the Doxie Beauty Salon, as well as operating her own beauty shop. She lastly worked for Albert’s Hosiery as a sales clerk. Gloria will be remembered as a woman who fulfilled her responsibilities with energy, commitment, and kindness in all her work endeavors. Gloria’s grace, forbearance, and love for her family during good times as well as trying times was an inspiration to many. She never spoke ill of others and sought out the good instead. Her children and family marveled that through all the tribulations in her life, she never lost her goodness, dignity, compassion, and most importantly, her beautiful smile. Her loved ones will always cherish her wonderful virtues. Gloria was most grateful that God blessed her with a family who truly loved her, watched over her, and honored her as a beautiful mother. She found satisfaction in the simple pleasures of life. A great time was a trip to Sylvan Beach with family followed by dinner at “Eddies”. She also enjoyed the excitement of horse racing, bingo, and games of chance. She was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church. Gloria is survived by her devoted daughters and son-in-law, Eleanor M. DeVito, and Bonnie and Dominick Purpura, all of North Utica; her grandchildren, John A., Jr. and Joanne DeVito, Kelly J. and Michelle DeVito; Richard Schafer, Robert Schafer, and Dawn and Nicholas Cardillo; and her great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael, and Christine DeVito, Dylan, Logan, and twins Teagan and Kalissa DeVito; Eden Schafer, and Zachary Cardillo. She will also be remembered by her sisters and brother-in-law, Ferdy and Ernest Demarais, and Teresa Pecorello; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws Anne Brown, Marie Ambruso, Carol Ambrose, and Michael and Frances Ambrose; and the many good friends who graced her life. She was predeceased by her sister, Eleanor Ciccone; her brothers, John Ciccone, and Louis Ciccone; her sons-in-law, John A. DeVito, Sr., and Gary Hovish; and her in-laws, Theresa LaPaglia, Joseph Ambrose, Dominick Ambruso, Donald Ambrose, Michael LaPaglia, Anthony Pecorello, Elliott Brown, and Celia Renne. The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to Gloria’s sister, Tessie, who faithfully tended to her with daily visits; a sincere and appreciative thank you to Dr. Samir Desai and Windy Mitchell/P.A., and Dr. Abin Pachikara and staff. All of these caretakers were exceptional and sensitive in their care. When at home, Gloria was comforted by Tony Burnett from the Visiting Nurse Association; this was her “angel” and she so appreciated his love. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Gloria’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Peter’s Church in North Utica where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Durant. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Gloria C. (Ciccone) Ambruso

January 26, 1923 - February 7, 2016