Ruth Geraldine Guccione

1921 - 2017

Ruth Geraldine Guccione (Cranston)

June 4, 1921

April 21, 2017

Ruth Geraldine Guccione (Cranston) passed away at the age of 95 on April 21, 2017.

Ruth was born June 4, 1921 in Flint, Michigan--the fifth of seven children born to Allen and Bertha (Flathau) Cranston. She migrated to California during the war years and eventually brought her mother and two younger sisters to join her. A co-worker introduced her to a cocky young sailor named Matteo "Matt" Guccione, and it was quickly deemed a love match made in heaven. Matt and Ruth celebrated 70 loving years of marriage prior to Matt's passing last year at age 96.

Over the years, Ruth held an assortment of jobs to help with the family, but her most successful position was wife and mother to their three children (Elizabeth, Leonore and Leo). She learned Italian cooking from her mother-in-law and was a remarkable home cook and baker. Her table was always formally set and she was incredibly creative with family and holiday meals. At the holidays she would bake and make candy for weeks ahead, and then share the bounty with all the neighbors and friends. She and Matt loved to entertain and their parties were always something to look forward to.

Ruth tried her hand at many art forms through the years, but eventually found her life-long love—China Painting. For over fifty years she created beautiful scenes and flowers on porcelain tea sets, plates, platters, bowls, vases, lamps and more.

When Matt retired from the Grocery business at the age of 55, he and Ruth set up shop at the San Diego Swap Meet. Ruth would go to the public administrator's auctions and buy large lots of odds and ends. She would sort through the boxes and find clothes, toys, and household notions that she would repackage for sale. Matt would sell books and stickers and together they built a little business that would sustain them into their early 90's. It was a social outlet for them as much as an income source and they made many friends over the more than 30 years.

Matt and Ruth loved to travel and especially cruise on the ships of Holland America. Hawaii was their favorite destination, although they enjoyed their trips to Mexico and Europe, as well. They also loved to play Pinochle and they did so daily. Matt and Ruth made their home in San Diego, California for 40 years prior to joining their daughter, Elizabeth Howe and her husband, David in Reno three years ago. They came to love Reno and the activities and festivals in the area.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Matteo P. Guccione, and she is survived by her sister Mildred Hintergardt; her children, Elizabeth Howe (David), Leonore Carlisle (Bill Swarz), and Leo Guccione (Charlene); grandchildren Katie Krell, Laura Garrett (Joseph) Sara Guccione, and Matthew Guccione; and great grandchildren Nathan and Samantha Garrett.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to caregiver Ann Armenta; the Saint Mary's Hospice Team; and the wonderful team of caregivers at The Summit Sierra Senior Living, Memory Care Unit. At Ruth's request there will be no services. She will be laid to rest in San Diego alongside her husband.