Kathleen L. Cuccaro

UTICA - Mrs. Kathleen L. (Strycharz) Cuccaro, age 88, passed away, peacefully, on Friday, December 13, 2024, with the love and support of her family by her side.

Born in Utica, on February 22, 1936, Kathleen was the daughter of the late Mary C. (Fondario) Narbone and Stanley Strycharz. She was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School.

Kathleen first met Carl F. Cuccaro at Tony's Sweet Shop, and it was love at first sight. They were wed on June 13, 1959, and shared over 65 years of marriage. The cornerstone of their life was their mutual love, respect and support for each other and their family, as well as the traditional values they shared.

Kathleen was employed with the General Electric Co. early in her career. After starting a family, she devoted herself to raising her children. Later, she returned to work at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., before accepting a position as a Medical Claims Approver with UFCW Local One, from which she retired.

Kathleen's family was everything to her, and they were the center of her life. She was an extremely devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was fiercely loyal and a natural protector of her children and especially her grandchildren. Her welcoming smile, sharp sense of humor and quick wit made her a beloved presence to all who knew her.

Kathleen enjoyed 60 years at the family camp in the Adirondacks, at White Lake, a second home where she and all her family created countless memories. Later in life, she and Carl discovered a passion for traveling. From trans-Atlantic flights, cruising to various destinations and taking road trips crossing state lines, their main goal was spending quality time with family.

A faithful Catholic, Kathleen was a parishioner of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus.

Kathleen is survived by her husband, Carl; children and their spouses, Carleen and Fiorentino ""Tino"" Poccia, Pasquale ""Pat"" and Mary Cuccaro, Carlo and Kim Cuccaro and Kelly and Matthew Fuligni; grandchildren, Emily and Gary McConnell; Juliana and Garret Rittenhouse, Thomas Cuccaro, and Carlo Cuccaro; Olivia Cuccaro, Andrew Cuccaro, and Caroline Cuccaro; and was eagerly anticipating the birth of her first great-granddaughter. She held close to her heart the memory of her sister and brother-in-law, who preceded her, Frances J. and Jack R. Rightmier. She is additionally survived by her cherished in-laws, Carole Aulbach and Ronald A. and Sheila Cuccaro; and many nieces, nephews and their families. Kathleen was also predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pasquale and Rose (Pepe) Cuccaro; and beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie J. and Mario L. Rocci, Sr. and Theresa A. and Ronald L. ""Ron"" Smith.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Kathleen's Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St., Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@JoeSalernoOLOL. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Please consider memorial contributions, in Kathleen's honor, to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at https://hospicecareinc.org/donate-online/; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.,, Utica Fond memories and messages of encouragement may be shared at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.