Mary Laura (Capalupo) Ruggiero

Mrs. Mary Laura (Capalupo) Ruggiero, age 66, of North Utica, passed away on Friday, June 22, 2007, in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 27, 1941, Mary was the daughter of Lucy (Longeretta) Capalupo and the late Ralph Capalupo, Sr. Raised and educated in Utica, she was a 1959 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. On May 2, 1964 she was joined in marriage with Philip L. Ruggiero who passed away on December 9, 2003. They were the best of friends, and their lives intertwined with much love, commitment, and their mutual pleasures. Mary was employed by the N.Y. Telephone Co. as a secretary prior to raising her family. When she returned to the workforce, she was a lead associate at the Montgomery Ward Co. and also worked as a cashier at the North Utica Rite Aid store. Mary was a woman who cherished her children, always protecting and guiding them to their best potential. She shared a closeness with her granddaughter Fallon, who spent a great deal of time with her grandparents. She was always the “apple of their eye”, and she will miss their love and physical presence. Mary was happiest in the company of her family, and her heart and home were open to all. She also loved animals, and felt a special connection especially with dogs. For leisure entertainment she enjoyed games of chance, especially bingo. She was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church. Mary is survived by her daughter, Laurie A. Ruggiero of Utica; her son, Paul Ruggiero of Deerfield; her granddaughter, Fallon Renee Ruggiero and her mother, Jackie; and her mother, Lucy Capalupo. Also surviving is her brother and sister-in-law, Ralph A., Jr. and Anna Marie Capalupo of Cape Vincent, NY; her nieces and nephews, Marea and Chad Kessler, Ralph A. Capalupo III, and Paris Capalupo who she loved as her own children; and her great-niece, Olivia Kessler. Other family members include her in-laws, Rose and Anthony Calaguiro, Faye Fiorentino, Austin “Augie” and Rose Ruggiero, John and Stashia Ruggiero, and Anthony J. and Linda Ruggiero. Mary was blessed with best friends who were “attached at the hip”, Lena and Kenny Wuest, couples that endured the best and most challenging times together. She was also held close by her childhood and devoted friends, Kathy Ventura, Chickie Viscosi, and her generous neighbors and bingo pals, Reatha and Bill Bouchey. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Mary Capalupo, who Mary lovingly remembered. The family extends appreciation to Dr. Atul Butala and his staff, especially Diana; Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. with mention of Pat, all who gave her the comfort of her home and family; and the staff of the Critical Care Unit at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00 – 5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Mary's honor to the American Cancer Society for her Relay for Life team; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Peter’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Laura (Capalupo) Ruggiero

April 27, 1941 - June 22, 2007