Annabelle Pugliese

Annabelle Pugliese, 83, a life-long resident of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 12, 2020. Her smile, her voice, and her warmth have left us in this world with beautiful memories of times spent with her. She was the youngest of four children, of Italian immigrant parents Angelina Vallone and Tomasso Pugliese. She is survived by her beloved older sister, Sue Pugliese Virgilio, who was her confidant, advisor and protector for so much of her life; her dear sister-in-law, Elaine Pugliese; her 13 surviving nieces and nephews, who adored her; her cousins; and her lifelong friends, particularly Anita Principi. She was pre-deceased by her loving parents, her brothers Guy (Rita) and Pat Pugliese, and 2 nephews, Gary and Michael Pugliese. After graduation from West High School, Annabelle went to work at St. Mary's hospital as a candy striper. She rose through the ranks there for her entire career to her last position as Director of Volunteer Services. She maintained a relationship with the Seton organization as a loyal volunteer in her retirement, in addition to countless other hours of volunteer work for other organizations. Annabelle was happiest surrounded by family and friends, hosting picnics or dinners on Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and many other occasions. To instill it in the next generation, she safeguarded a long tradition of outdoor family picnics including getting everyone there to join into games of bocce, volleyball or Hearts. Her first car was a 1960's Corvette convertible. Her nieces and nephews treasure wonderful memories of rides in the "'vette" with Auntie, top down, hair blowing in the wind. Annabelle spent her summers at her Upper Saranac Lake Adirondack "camp", which was built and decorated by her own hands. She wintered at the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. She loved to take in the warm rays of the sun, whether in the Adirondacks or Florida. Annabelle's friends will remember good times with her at high school reunions, gourmet parties, ski trips in the Northeast and in the Alps, and water skiing on Lake Ontario and Saranac Lake. She was a very good athlete and loved dancing, especially a lively jitterbug. She loved traveling and in her lifetime had trips to National Parks, Cape Cod, California, Florida, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain among many others. Those who know Annabelle well know about her care for animals, particularly her beloved French poodle named Peppy. He actually seemed nearly human. After losing Peppy, Annabelle never owned another dog and instead lavished attention on all of her friend's and family's dogs. She has been a constant contributor to the Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester. A funeral mass and celebration of Annabelle's life will take place as soon as is possible. In the meantime, we appreciate all of your gestures of sympathy and prayer. In lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial donation in Annabelle's name to St. Pius X Church, 3010 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624, or to the Al Sigl Foundation, Inc., 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14620.