Caterina "Catherine" (Pietropaolo) Putruele

UTICA/BLUFFTON, SC – With profound love and gratitude, we remember a woman whose life was a shining example of faith, kindness, sacrifice, and unconditional love: Caterina “Catherine” (Pietropaolo) Putruele, age 87, who went home to the Lord on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Catherine was born in her beloved homeland of Ricadi, Province of Calabria, Italy, on December 5, 1938, to the late Domenico “Dominick” and Caterina (Pontoriero) Pietropaolo. She came to the U.S. with her father at age 17, working tirelessly to save enough money to bring her mother, sister, and loved ones. Though she embraced her new country, she never lost the warmth, traditions, and spirit of her Italian roots. She lived a life marked by simplicity and humility and had a remarkable ability to prepare a feast out of seemingly nothing. She devoted her life to caring for others, placing the needs of family, friends, and neighbors before her own. Catherine was a faithful member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, and her involvement with the annual Sts. Cosmas and Damian feast illustrated her loving and selfless spirit. She enjoyed working alongside her best friend, Deacon Bill Dischiavo, welcoming many Canadian travelers who became genuine friends. From her union with the late Joseph Putruele came the blessing of her three children, who became her life’s purpose. Her career as a seamstress at Joseph & Feiss modeled a strong work ethic as she lovingly raised her children with wisdom, strength, and endless affection alongside her sister, the late Rosa M. “Rose” (Pietropaolo) Vita. They shared a truly special bond, and with her own passing, one can imagine the sisters reunited in the same way they lived their lives. To Catherine’s nephews and nieces, she was much more than a Zia – she was their second mother, a trusted confidante, and a cherished source of guidance and inspiration. When her grandchildren and great-grandson arrived, her heart expanded to extend her beautiful love to the next generations. They brought her such great joy, and she viewed them as her life’s living legacy. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Mary Rose and Chuck Mitchell, Jerry and Bianca Putruele, and Cathy and Josh Uttamsingh; adored grandchildren, Brendan, Avery, and his wife Taylor; Carissa and Alec; Olivia and her husband Blake, and Alexa and her partner Ryan; and the most recent love of her life, her great-grandson, Kai. She will also be missed by her nephews, Frank Vita, Jr., Dominick Vita and his wife, Karen, Anthony Vita, and their father, Frank Vita, Sr.; their children, Franca and Anthony, Dominick, and Gianna, and Jessica, and Matthew; their grandchildren, Giada, and Anthony, and the many wonderful friends who blessed her life, including Deacon Bill Dischiavo and his family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Catherine’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://youtube.com/live/5ikFpkkAuP4?feature=share. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Catherine’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Caterina "Catherine" (Pietropaolo) Putruele

December 5, 1938 - June 13, 2026