Pauline Puccio, whose family meant everything to her and who has been described as “the glue that held the family together,” leaves behind her 3 loving children, Jess A. Puccio (Heidi Ferry), Anthony Puccio (Debby Rizzo-Puccio), and Joanne Puccio (Ivan Balura.)
Pauline was an adoring Nana to her 4 grandchildren, Heidi Miller (Chris,) Jess J. Puccio, Emili Puccio (Gary Haylock), and Rick Pizzuto. Last year, Pauline was blessed with a precious great-grandson, Camden Miller. Pauline was a beloved aunt to several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband Joseph M. Puccio, they were happily married for 61 years, they got married November 23, 1947. In addition she was predeceased by her brother, Frank Spinelli, and her stepbrother and stepsister, Joseph Enea and Anne Mariotti.
Pauline graduated from Washington Irving High School in Manhattan.
Throughout her lifetime, Pauline prepared veritable feasts for hundreds of family events and holidays that took place at her house . No matter what the occasion, her chicken cutlets always seemed to be there. Her macaroni and cheese , a staple for the grandkids, was described as “to die for”. Her delicious manicotti were prepared with homemade tender crepes. When invited to an event, people often asked her to make her scrumptious eggplant parmigiana. Pauline, who was 100 percent Sicilian, made the traditional Sicilian Christmas desserts of pignolata (also called strufuli- little balls of fried dough coated in honey) and cucidati (fig cookies.) For many years, she made homemade cannoli, including frying the dough to make the delicate crispy shells. Christmas Eve dinner and the opening of gifts was a highly anticipated holiday that took place at her house for 73 years, and created wonderful memories for all who were there, especially the children.
Throughout her life, Pauline maintained many close friendships. Most notably, she was a member of “The Girls Club, “ a group of 12 women who met every other Thursday night for 55 years at one of their homes for no reason other than to relax and talk and enjoy each other’s company.
Pauline was a longtime member of the Hudson Valley Region Model A Restorers Club, since her late husband and son Anthony Puccio had restored a 1928 Model A Ford. The club still does a yearly Joseph M. Puccio Classic Car Tour led by the same car, which is now owned by Anthony.
Pauline was blessed to have been in good health all of her life until recently. She lived mostly independently until two years ago. She drove her car till she was 95. She maintained her youthfulness and beauty and looked much younger than her age, and people often asked her what her secret was. She never drank or smoked. She ate tons of sugary candy and chocolate, yet remained slender and had great dentition. Because her own mother died at only 30 years of age, she thought maybe God gave her the extra years to make up for her mother’s abbreviated life.
Pauline was a strong woman who withstood many hardships in her lifetime, yet who remained kind, helpful, and generous. She held great gratitude for the long life she was given. She will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Wednesday, July 22nd, 10:00 AM at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, 55 Main St. Highland, NY 12528. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Poughkeepsie.
Arrangements by the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 38 Main St. Highland, NY 12528.