Mary R. Fucci, beloved mother & grandmother passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning (May 5, 2015) at her home — the same home in which she was born 100 years ago. She celebrated her 100th birthday this year with family & friends at a party given in her honor last month at The Main Place in Hornell.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Mary was born on April 8, 1915, and was the daughter of Leonard & Amelia (Canella) Caruso.
Mary attended Hornell High School and was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She had been a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
In the early 1960’s, Mary established Fucci’s Pizza Villa in Hornell making her one of the first female business owners in Hornell. She owned and operated the business until 1977. She later was employed as a cook for the Masonic Senior Nutrition Program and also served as a volunteer in the Grandparent Program in the elementary schools in the Hornell School District.
Mary was dearly beloved and greatly respected by her children, her family and all that were blessed to know her. She was a very loving and respectful woman who will be greatly missed by all.
She was married in 1935 to Anthony Fucci who died in 1952. Mary was also preceded in death by her daughter, Clara Fucci (who died at the age of three); her son, Michael Fucci (died 2012); her grandson, Michael Dempsey (died 1983); her son-in-law, Lawrence Dempsey(died 1990); 4 brothers, Anthony Caruso, Angelo Caruso, Sam “Tato” Caruso and Richard Caruso; 2 sisters, Jenny Marendo and Nancy Guchardi.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Amelia Dempsey of Hamburg, Marjorie (Jim) Blowers of Swain and Maria Ormsby of Brick, NJ; 1 son, Leonard (Diane) Fucci of Hornell; her daughter-in-law, Linda Fucci of Hornell; 2 sisters, Yolonda Rose of Hornell and Josephine Bondi of Canada; 10 grandchildren, Kathleen Dempsey, Larry Dempsey, Colleen Carrow, Anthony Fucci, Lisa Smith, James Blowers, Mary Clark, Bernadette Hunter, Tina Ormsby and Brittany Broderick; 10 great-grandchildren who dearly loved her and called her “Big Ma”; many nieces & nephews.
The family of Mary R. Fucci will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the
Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery.
Mary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.
Amelia,Maria,Lenny and families,we are very saddened to learn of the passing of your Mother who was of course our Aunt.We have many happy memories of our visits to Hornell for family gatherings and your Mom busy making Pizza and the famous hot bread.I can still remember the smell in that shop of the fresh baking.We will cling to those good memories for years to come.We will remember your Mom and all of you in our prayers.She must have had a lot of excellent care to make it to the 100 mile and still be in her own home.
Frankie Carl & Geraldine Bondi
Collingwood Canada.
AMELIA,MARIA.LENNY I AM SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHERS PASSING SHE WAS A GREAT PERSON.DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL.LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL.REST IN PEACE MARY.
BOBBY EVELAND
I am very sorry but I forgot to mention Aunt Mary,s other daughter Margie in our condolence message,Sorry Margie I guess I had a senior moment but we are truly sorry for your loss.As I said we will remember all your family in our prayers.
Cousin Frank
We are so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She will be well remembered for her kind deed’s. I go back a long way when I lived on Elizabeth St. and went to the store everyday to buy candy. I even worked there for a time. She has a great bunch of kids who followed in her footsteps to be kind and friendly to all who came in contact with them. She can now go to Heaven to see her Family and friends. She will be missed but her legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace Mary, we all love you!
To the Fucci & Caruso Families, my deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. She was Simply The Best!! Love & Hugs to All of You. God Bless -Kiesha XO
Thinking of you all as you celebrate the life of a wonderful woman..so many good memories .
Peace be with Mary and peace to all of the family…..
Cousin Fran Kelly (caruso)
My condolences to the family. I remember her being a wonderful person with a big heart. She was an amazing woman. Thoughts and prayers are sent to you all.
Heard about your Mom and i have so many good memories of going to your home eating my favorite rolls with the twist on top when i was pregnant with my son 45 years ago. walking down the street smelling everything cooking from the kitchen that i would taste! Somethings we just dont forget love you all guys.