Rocco D. (Ambrose) Ambruso

Mr. Rocco D. (Ambrose) Ambruso, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his family by his side. Born in Utica on December 10, 1919, Rocco was the son of the late Dominick and Jennie (Coppola) Ambruso. Raised and educated locally, he was a member of the first graduating class at T. R. Proctor High School and was honored as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1938. A member of the Greatest Generation, Rocco was a veteran of World War II serving his country in the U.S. Army. On November 11, 1944 he married the former Gloria C. Ciccone with whom he shared a loving and devoted union of 64 years. For a period of 34 years, Rocco worked for the F. X. Matt Brewing Co., formerly the West End Brewing Co. in various departments, retiring after many years of service. He was a member of the American Legion Post #229, the Independent Order of Foresters, and the North Utica Senior Center. He was a parishioner of St. Peters Church. Rocco is survived by his wife, Gloria; his daughters and son-in-law, Eleanor M. DeVito, and Bonnie and Dominick Purpura, all of North Utica; his grandchildren, John, Jr. and Joanne DeVito of Albany, Kelly and Michelle DeVito of VA, Robert and Jennifer Schafer of Syracuse, Richard Schafer, and Dawn and Nicholas Cardillo, both of Yorkville; and his great-grandchildren, Nicholas DeVito, Michael DeVito, Christine DeVito, Dylan and Logan DeVito, and Eden Schafer. Survivors also include his sister, Anne Brown of Whitesboro; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick and Marie Ambruso, Donald and Carol Ambrose, and Michael and Frances Ambrose, all of Utica; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Ferdy and Ernest Demarais, and Teresa and Anthony Pecorello. Rocco will also be missed by his many good friends. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, John A. DeVito, Sr. and Gary Hovish; his sister, Theresa LaPaglia; his brother, Joseph Ambrose; and his in-laws, John Ciccone, Eleanor Ciccone, and Louis Ciccone. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the I.C.U and the A Team of the 5th floor of the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, also acknowledging Dr. John Tretter, Dr. Kevin Nelson, Dr. Charles Eldredge, Dr. Mathew Ulahannan, and Dr. Ira Tisch for all the care and compassion shown to Rocco and his family. Visitation will be held on Monday from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Rocco’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Peter’s Church in N. Utica where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Rocco D. (Ambrose) Ambruso

December 10, 1919 - July 11, 2009