Gloria C. "Glo" Vassallo

Mrs. Gloria C. “Glo” (Cuda) Vassallo, age 87, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2014 in the dignity of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 22, 1927, Gloria was the daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa (Talerico) Cuda. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1945. On February 7, 1948 she married Casper “Cappy” Vassallo with whom she shared 63 years in a union of dedication and understanding, until his passing on February 24, 2011. Glo and Cappy balanced each other’s strengths and their lives were graced with love and respect. Glo enjoyed her lengthy career from 1945 to 1972 as a switchboard operator with the New York Telephone Company. She was also a Utica Charter President of the Telephone Pioneers of America. In 1972, Cappy and Gloria became the founders, owners, and operators of Capglo Truck Sales on Broad Street in Utica, and in 1985, relocated the business to Yorkville. The nature of the enterprise was sales and service, providing Freightliners, Mercedes, and International brands. As Cappy and Glo worked as a team at the store, it brought great fulfillment and joy to their relationship. They retired together in December of 2004. Glo was a classy woman who lived life well. She took great pride in running the family company and faithfully called family and friends to share conversation and current events. Glo believed the greatest grace of her life was the blessing of her daughter who was the light of her life. She loved preparing for the holidays, especially the Cuda Thanksgiving gathering which was highlighted with Glo’s traditional homemade cuisine. She took an interest in cooking shows on the PBS channel, the Saturday night Lawrence Welk Show, British comedy programs, game shows, and her “soaps”. She regularly solved puzzles and word jumbles. She loved the companionship and company of all her dogs especially her brand new puppy April. In days gone by, Glo and Cappy found pleasure in traveling to Coney Island, New York City, Reno Nevada, Atlantic City, Vernon Downs, Turning Stone, and California where they visited Cappy’s family. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Glo is survived by her cherished daughter, Joanne Jamrosz and her husband, Dr. Greg Jamrosz, who was loved as a son; and her sister, Mary Benedetto of New Hartford. Her extended family includes her nieces and nephews and their families, Richard and Suwann Vassallo, Anthony and Karen Constabile, Susan Vassallo, Cathy and Ron Romano, Joseph Salerno and Alan Urek, Theresa and Sam Pennise, Carl and Joanne Plano, Ellen Laura, Gloria Zacaroli, Joseph and Ann Plano, Theresa Ann and Moustafa Moustafa, Anthony Cuda, Joseph Cuda, Lucille and Jay Klevonosky, Joan and John Tracy, and special acknowledgement of Theresa and Rich Pettigrew, and Gloria Zacaroli for spending so much time with Glo during her illness; and her in-laws, Josephine “Peppy” Vassallo of Utica, and Vincent “Jim” Salerno of New Hartford. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Anthony Cuda, and Charles and Nancy Cuda; her sisters and brothers-in-law Fannie and Frank Flint, and Flora and Carl Plano; her nephews, Johnny Vassallo, and Leonard Benedetto; and her in-laws, Rose Salerno, Anna and Sam Constabile, George Benedetto, Philip and Margaret, John and Lydia, and Thomas and Julia Vassallo. The family is grateful to Glo’s friends, Marlene Inserra, Marie Paciello, Marge DeSantis, and Gloria Trietiak for their loving concern; Drs. Samson and Abin Pachikara, Dr. Thomas Mathews, the personnel at CNY Cardiology, the staff of Parkway Drugs on French Rd., the wonderful aides, nurses, and physical therapists of the Lutheran Home; and Rev. David Sambor for his weekly visits providing Holy Communion and comforting conversation to Gloria. The family respected Gloria’s wishes that there be no public visitation. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joe Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the U.S. Figure Skating Memorial Fund or the Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Gloria C. "Glo" Vassallo

March 22, 1927 - May 15, 2014