Laurel A. Devoti-Reuss

1941 - 2023

Beloved Mother, Sister, and Artist, of Dongan Hills, 81
November 5, 1941 - May 27, 2023 - Laurel A. Devoti-Reuss, 81, of Dongan Hills Staten Island , passed away on May 27, 2023 after a long and brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Laurel was predeceased by her parents, Anna Bormann Devoti and Thomas A. Devoti, her husband retired NYPD Capt., Edward D. Reuss who she was married to for over fifty-three years, until his passing and her brothers Richard Devoti and Thomas Devoti. Laurel is survived by her brother Harold Devoti and her three children Edward M. Reuss, Christine M. Reuss and her fiancé Kerri Moser and David H. Reuss and his fiancé Betina Duque.
Laurel Adele Devoti-Reuss was a born and raised Staten Islander. Born in Fort Wadsworth and raised in Rosebank she attended New Dorp High School where she studied art with Mrs. Katherine Kacsur and Mr. Irwin Miller. After high school she continued to study art on her own. She taught herself to oil paint and work with pastels by studying books and viewing works of old masters in New York City museums. She continued to develop her artist skills while being married and raising three children. She was known locally for numerous illustrations she created for "Spotlight" a local public school newsletter.
Her artistic dedication led her to become an active member of the Staten Island arts organization: The Artists Federation. She regularly displayed her work at the galleries in Snug Harbor and other galleries and venues throughout Staten Island. Her floral works were displayed in the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan and she taught art to young students at Augie Napoli's Studio in Oakwood. Eventually, she joined the Salmagundi Club and was an active member since 1999. As a member she won awards and sold many pieces. In 2007, she won a prestigious award for her oil painting, Persimmons & Peaches. In 2008-2011 she served on the Admissions Committee and rose to position of Vice-Chairman of Admissions interviewing a plethora of membership candidates.
In September 2014, she had one woman show at the Salmagundi Club titled: "Laurel Devoti Reuss Oils and Pastels" Thirty-seven oil and pastel pieces were on display in the Salmagundi Club's prestigious private Patron's gallery. The subjects ranged from still lifes, floral works and some conceptual pieces. In 2021, she was give the prestigious honor of Emeritus membership.
Laurel loved her family, her friends and neighbors. She also found joy in entertaining, gardening, playing games, holidays, fashion, golf, jewelry, reading, hotel pools, seafood (lobster especially), bloody marys, gin negroni's and champagne. She adored her pet cat "Muffin" very dearly and she also enjoyed movies, dining out and cooking. Italian cuisine was her specialty but she was a master of many cuisines. She also loved to travel with her husband, Edward. She visited the Bahamas and Bermuda but Marco Island, FL was by far her favorite beach destination where she loved to go "shelling" at Tiger Tail. She often visited many locations on the East Coast but spoke most often of her wonderful trip to Ireland and to her favorite city in Italy, Venice.
Laurel lived near her cherished loving family where she continued to create art until the end of her life.
Laurel passed away of Lewy Body Dementia Disease. If you'd like to make a donation for better research and treatment of this disease in her name please see the following link.
https://www.lbda.org/donate/
A wake will be held at Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306 (718) 351-1800 Tuesday 5/30/23 4:00PM-8:00PM
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 101 Cromwell Ave., Staten Island, NY 10304 (718) 351-0270 Wednesday 5/31/23 10:00AM
Followed by Burial Services at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Ave., Staten Island, NY 10309 (718) 356- 7738