Mrs. Patricia E. (Ruggiero) Samarco-Riendeau

Mrs. Patricia E. (Ruggiero) Samarco-Riendeau, age 72, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2016 at the Heritage Health Care Center. Born in Utica on March 2, 1944, Patricia was the daughter of the late Louis and Anita (Roy) Ruggiero. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1964 and subsequently attended MVCC. On January 21, 1978 she married Nicholas V. Samarco with whom she shared 21 years in a union blessed with love and commitment. Nicholas passed away on February 15, 1999. Patricia was employed in retail for 10 years with Mungers, Hollands, and Steinbach Department Stores. She put her ‘all’ into everything she did, but always her first responsibility was her husband and daughter. She was a great mom and a giving grandma who made sure her granddaughter “Bri” had an endless supply of new shoes. Patricia found great fulfillment in helping others. Her caring nature was also noticeable in the love and companionship she shared with her pets. She knew how to run a household and a kitchen, and true to her Italian roots, she was a good cook and a hospitable host. She also had a green thumb when it came to cultivating plants and flowers. She was skilled at sewing in her younger years, and was a member of the Forever Young Club when she resided at Twin Towers. At one time, she was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Utica and was often accompanied by her granddaughter when attending church services. Patricia is survived by her daughter, Anita Louise Samarco and her husband Phil Guarno of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Joslyn Nicole Samarco, and Brianna Kolupa, both of New Hartford; and her brother, Louis Ruggiero of North Utica. Her extended family includes many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Frank and Patricia Samarco, and August Santucci, Jr. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Edward Couturier; and her in-laws, Estelle Ruggiero, Arlene Samarco, Kathleen Samarco, Mary Choquette, and Shirley Gauthier. She also shared a close relationship with her daughter’s mother-in-law, Collette Guarno. A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, May 21st from 2:00-3:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Patricia’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 at the funeral home upon conclusion of the gathering with Sister Betty Giarrusso, CSJ officiating the ceremony.

Mrs. Patricia E. (Ruggiero) Samarco-Riendeau

March 2, 1944 - May 13, 2016