Mrs. Jo Ann (Mucitelli) Russo

NORTH UTICA - Mrs. Jo Ann (Mucitelli) Russo, age 63, imparted her last glances to her husband and son and went home to the Lord on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. Her passing occurred in the comfort of her home with her devoted family at her side. Born in Utica on October 16, 1953, Jo Ann was the daughter of the late Frank A. and Jennie T. (Marchione) Mucitelli. She was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1971 and continued her education at MVCC where she received an Associate degree in Physical Education. She continued her studies at SUNY Cortland earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Master of Arts degree in Reading, and her Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration. On October 8, 1977 she married John R. Russo with whom she shared a relationship founded on trust and common points of view. They formed the strongest bond, sometimes a lost commodity in today’s world. When they exchanged their vows before God, it was for real, to the very end. During their 39 years, Jo Ann was always first in John’s mind and heart. Jo Ann had a notable career in education and administration with the Utica City School District. She began at Wetmore School and continued at Columbus School, Conkling School, John F. Kennedy Middle School, and subsequently at Mohawk High School as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. In 2002 she returned to the Utica School District where she was assigned Principal of John F. Hughes Elementary School, retiring in 2014. She was a member of the NY State United Teacher’s Union. In every capacity of her career, Jo Ann was a mentor, friend, and teacher. She connected with her students, was innovative, creative, and stimulating in the classroom. She worked tirelessly throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year and was an advocate for the teachers. She was credited and commended by teachers, students, and parents for her vigilance and progressive problem solving. She was beloved by many. Jo Ann’s family was the most important facet of her life. Her son adored her and she was a tender, loving mom who felt blessed because he was the sunshine of her life. Her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart and she was proud of all their accomplishments. When her granddaughter Skylie was born, Jo Ann was present to hear her first cry, and she fell in love. She would do anything for her, and Jo Ann hoped that she would live on in her life forever. Jo Ann was talented in so many ways. She was detail-oriented in her crocheting. She gifted many baby sets with incredible embellishments. In her sewing room, she designed and created two wedding gowns. She was also a busy baker who generously gave of her treats. She took an interest in her physical wellbeing and took to running —- 12 Boilermaker Road Races and numerous hours in local races, a sport she shared with her husband. She enjoyed kayaking with her son, nieces, and nephews at White Lake which was a place of peace and a part of her soul. She kept a cozy home at the lake, a calm and comfortable piece of heaven that she had known since her childhood and which was the source of lifelong friendships. She was also a member of the White Lake Shore Association. She had a particular interest in reading and purchased plenty of children’s books, an investment that would introduce little ones to language skills and enrich their minds. Her favorite adage was “When you learn to read, you read to learn”. During her illness, John continued her passion for promoting reading by volunteering his time to the “Reading with Children” program at J.F. Hughes Elementary School. She called St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church her religious home. She and her late mom Jennie were active in the St. Theresa Society and volunteered their time to make pizza fritta for the congregation. Jo Ann is survived by her husband, John R. Sr.; her son, John R. Russo, Jr.; her granddaughter, sweet Skylie O’Connor-Russo; and her siblings and their spouses, John M. and Kathleen Mucitelli, Cynthia F. Mucitelli and her husband Ivan Guarnizo, Lori M. and David Carrier, and Frank S. and Nina Mucitelli. She will be remembered by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Annette and Carl Fiore; aunts, nieces and nephews, Justin and Andrea Mucitelli, Janelle Mucitelli, Melanie and James Benedict, JaNay Mucitelli, JoVon Mucitelli, JaCob Mucitelli; Patrick and Tracy Fiore, Larry and Noelle Fiore, Deanna Zegarelli-Pecheone and her husband Carl; and her great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Jo Ann knew how to be a best friend to many, and each of them held a special place in her life. She will be missed by her canine Golden Doodle “Abbey”. She was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Laura Russo. The family is grateful to Dr. Francis Chabot and the personnel of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Waterville site; Dr. Manzurul Sikder and his amazing staff at the Slocum-Dickson Medical Group; and the personnel of the Radiation Department at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. All these professionals were most kind and compassionate to Jo Ann. The family extends their thanks to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. who cared for Jo Ann with dignity and concern, allowing her to be in her home during her final days; and to Fr. Mark Kaminski and Deacon Bill Dischiavo for their blessings and visits. In keeping with Jo Ann’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jo Ann’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Fr Mark Kaminski. The family will graciously receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jo Ann’s memory may be made to the Jo Ann Russo Scholarship Fund, Dollars For Scholars; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will follow in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Jo Ann (Mucitelli) Russo

October 16, 1953 - August 2, 2017