Lauretta R. (Coluzza) Vallese

Mrs. Lauretta Rose (Coluzza) Vallese, age 40, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 in the privacy of her home. Born in Utica on February 9, 1968, Lauretta was the daughter of the late John A. and Vincenza “Vinnie” (Ruggiero) Coluzza. She was raised and educated locally and was a 1986 graduate of Utica Free Academy. She continued her studies and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at Empire State College. On June 12, 1999 she was married to Jeffrey G. Vallese; a warm, unified couple, they were faithful and loyal to their shared values and morals. To this relationship came the greatest gift, their cherished daughter, Sophia Vincenza, who has been the primary focus of Lauretta’s energies each day since her birth 2 ½ years ago. A passionate, musically-minded person, Lauretta was a local radio personality who shared her talents with several area stations and was affectionately known to many of her listeners as “Late Night Laura”. She was an accomplished musician, trained in piano and flute. The melody and lyrics of music fulfilled her life. She relocated to Syracuse and accepted a position with Vera House. Lauretta was admired for her ability to bridge social work with domestic violence and crimes against women. An advocate for many, she accompanied those under her care through the justice system of the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. Lauretta last worked at Rome Free Academy as a successful mediator with Utica Safe Schools Program. With a willingness to expand and cultivate her horizons, a most memorable time in Lauretta’s life was the opportunity to study at the University of Limerick in Ireland where she absorbed the culture and traditions of Ireland and also afforded herself the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. A nurturing and charismatic person, she was also blessed as an approachable and welcoming woman. She had a sparkling smile, an inherent ability to be kind, a generous nature, and a gregarious sense of humor. Inspired by loving maternal bonds, Lauretta fondly remembered and honored her late mother, Vinnie, by supporting and being the driving force behind the Vinnie Coluzza Memorial Scholarship Fund. She was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Lauretta is survived by her husband, Jeff; and her adored daughter, Sophia Vincenza. Survivors also include her brothers, Francis J. Coluzza and Michael A. Coluzza and his fiancée Heidi VanDerhoof Fonner, all of Utica; her aunts and uncles, Anthony and Lucy Ruggiero, and Henry Kinney; her niece and nephew, Emma Jo and Matthew; her cousins, Kathy and Nanette Ruggiero, Andrea and Bill Campbell, Steven and Marcia Ruggiero, Lauretta and Anthony Taurisano, Angela Nemitz, MaryBeth Fuller, Louis and Amelia Centolella, John and Irene Coluzza, Thomas Coluzza, Mike and Mary Tisi, and Lisa and Duane Mayo; her godmother, Joan Pucker and late husband Kenneth and their family; and her brother-in-law, Gerry Vallese. Lauretta was blessed with many cherished friendships including Trudy Sheldon, Donna Mateuszek, Katherine Evans, Mark and Lisa Montgomery, John and Elaine Nalli, John Gossin, Jim and Kim Hartshorne, Marge Ryan, and a very special lifelong friend, Dr. John Christopher. She was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Mary Jane Vallese. The family is grateful to the New Hartford Police Department and EMT’s for their courtesy, and all those who assisted with much kindness. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Lauretta’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Inurnment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Lauretta R. (Coluzza) Vallese

February 9, 1968 - January 21, 2009