RUTH DOMINICK COTUGNO

A bright light has faded in many lives; Ruth Amelia Cotugno, 79, passed away on April 23, 2010, at Ellis Hospital after a short illness. Ruth was born in Schenectady on August 16, 1930 to her parents, the late Nicholas and Angela Dominick. At the age of 19 she met Peter Cotugno, the love of her life. Together they raised two sons, Robert and Nicholas. She graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and then went on to become a beautician at 19. She owned and operated Hair Fashions by Ruth, and for the last several years she worked closely with her niece, Angela Fazio at Ciao Hair Designers. Ruth always enjoyed the beauty shop and her customers. She worked up to three months ago which kept her young and bright. Ruth taught a lot of local shop owners the business. Sundays were always spent in Ruth's kitchen by family and friends eating her homemade pasta, sauce and cream puffs. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Peter Cotugno; son, Robert Cotugno; brother, Salvatore (Woozie) Dominick; and sister, Dolores Fazio. Ruth is survived by her son, Nicholas Cotugno; daughter-in-law, Deborah Cotugno; niece, Angela Fazio; and grandchild, Robyn Cotugno. Calling hours will be on Monday 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeLegge Funeral Home, 1346 Chrisler Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Ruth in a special way may make a contribution to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1255 Pleasant St., Schenectady, NY 12303.