Carmella Rose Ruscitto

SCHENECTADY - Carmella R. Ruscitto, 87, a beloved matriarch of Front Street, entered into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a fall at home. A lifelong resident of Schenectady, Carmella was born on November 30, 1937, the cherished daughter of the late Nicholas and Marceline Palumbo Ruscitto.
Carmella's roots ran deep in the city she loved. She attended Riverside School and was a proud graduate of Nott Terrace High School, Class of 1955. Education was always a cornerstone of her family's values, a belief she carried throughout her life. She dedicated many years to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in Albany, where she worked as a clerk before retiring.
A woman with a heart full of kindness and generosity, Carmella devoted herself to community service in countless ways. Alongside her sister, she led a Girl Scout troop at St. George’s, guiding young girls with warmth and encouragement. She also served as a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association, offering mentorship and a nurturing environment to those in need. Her love for her community was evident in her leadership as Past President of the East Front Street Neighborhood Association, an organization founded by her father. She was also an active participant in the city's Neighborhood Watch program, always dedicated to keeping her neighborhood safe.
For Carmella, home was everything. Her family's residence on Front Street, treasured for 118 years, held a lifetime of beautiful memories. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony’s Church, where she joyfully contributed her time each year as an annual Festa worker, celebrating faith, family, and tradition.
Carmella’s hands were rarely still, as she found great joy in crafting. She was especially fond of crocheting and knitting baby blankets, which she gifted to family and friends with love. Her thoughtful nature and selfless spirit touched all who knew her.
Carmella leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service to her family, friends, and community. She will be deeply missed, but her kindness and dedication will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.
Carmella was predeceased by her loving parents, Nicholas and Marceline Ruscitto; and her dear childhood friend, Evelyn Williams.
She is survived by her best friend and sister, Mary Ann Ruscitto; her four paw kitty, Molly; and many dear cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 am at St. Anthony’s Church, Seward Place. Interment will follow in the Ruscitto family plot in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at St. Anthony’s Church on Thursday from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made in Carmella’s memory to Homeward Bound Rescue at https://www.homewardbounddogrescue.com