Maria (Zumbo) Rugari

Mrs. Maria (Zumbo) Rugari, 85, passed away, with her devoted and loving family by her side, Monday, January 9, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Maria was born January 26, 1937, in Sinopoli, Province of Reggio Calabria, Italy, a daughter of the late Gaetano and Angelina (Zappala) Zumbo. She was raised and educated in Italy and as a young woman immigrated to the United States.

On April 22, 1956, Maria was joined in marriage to John Rugari. Maria and John have shared a very loving marriage, filled with devotion to each other for over sixty-six years.

A talented seamstress, Maria worked at Joseph & Feiss Co., for many years, and later at the Princess Shop, where she was loved and appreciated by their many loyal customers, until her retirement.

A woman of simple needs, Maria’s life revolved around her husband and family. She loved spending time in her flower and vegetable garden, and cooking and baking for everyone. She was a crochet expert, her adored grandchildren and great grandchildren have treasured pieces she made for them. A person of great strength, Maria will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her beloved husband , John; four children, Louis Rugari and his wife, Fran of CA, Diana (Rugari) DeFazio, Lina (Rugari) Parkhurst and her husband, Robert, all of Utica, and John Rugari and his wife, Hollie of NC; beloved grandchildren, Ariana Rugari, Vanessa DeFazio, Allyson (Evan) Yacowenia, Evan Dovigh, Matthew Rugari, and Nicole (Cory) Law; great-grandchildren, Emma, Kendall, Cayden, and Aurie; a sister, Franca Sicari and a brother, John Zumbo, both of Italy; and also many brothers-in- law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins, here and in Italy. She was predeceased by her brother, Anthony Zumbo.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, in Whitesboro.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, 5 to 8 p.m., at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., at Mohawk St., in Utica.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the ICU at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

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