Rita Ann (Carucci) Wright

Mrs. Rita Ann (Carucci) Wright, age 81, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on January 4, 1927, Rita was the daughter of the late Peter and Congetta (Chirappa) Carucci. She was raised and educated locally. At one time Rita was married to Donald Ross, Sr. She was blessed with a second union to Robert E. “Bob” Wright, Sr. During her working life, Rita was employed by the Oneita Knitting Mill as an inspector for 8 years. She left the workforce when she married and her primary focus became her family. She was the greatest mom, an ‘angel on earth’ with a beautiful, priceless smile and a warm sense of humor. Rita was the wings for her family and she gave them their strength. She enjoyed the simple things in life and never asked for or expected much. She enjoyed spending countless hours listening to light jazz on the radio, and she loved to shop with her family up until the time of her illness. She was devoted to her Catholic faith, and at one time she was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Rita is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Rocco A. DePerno of N. Utica, and Donna and Calvin Watson of Blossvale, NY; her sons and daughter-in-law, Robert Wright, Jr. and fiancée Debbie Drummond of VA, and Donald, Jr. and Christine Ross of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Anthony DeFazio, Joseph DeFazio, Lori Monaco, Christina Monaco, Jonathan Ross, Brandon Ross, and Zachary Wright; and her great-grandchildren, Michael Caputo, and Christopher Monaco. Her survivors also include her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Angelo Gattuso of Santa Clarita, CA, and Joanie and Joseph Jacobs of Syracuse; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Grace Sweet of Ballston Spa, and Matthew Niznik of Utica. She was predeceased by her sister and brother- in-law, Ann and Gabriel Cirasundo; and her in-laws, Frances J. and John A. Cardone, Marion Niznik, Faith Kozma, Kenneth Wright, Junior Wright, John Wright, and Harriet Spine. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the Senior Network staff and David for all the care and attention shown to Rita; Dr. Samuel Gooldy for his compassion throughout the years; and Jackie Bauer at the Charles T. Sitrin Rehabilitation Center. In keeping with Rita’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in New Hartford. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Rita’s honor to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Services of comfort have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Rita Ann (Carucci) Wright

January 4, 1927 - September 13, 2008