Mary Ellen Fuoco

Mary Ellen Fuoco (McGann) whose passion was teaching, passed away peacefully on September 6th, 2024, at her home. Mary Ellen was 82 years old. Born in Bronx, NY on February 27th, 1942, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine McGann (Murphy) and beloved niece of the late Sarah and James Gavin. 

She attended Manhattan Catholic Schools, St. Stephen’s Elementary and Cathedral High School for Girls. After graduation, she attended Fordham University and graduated from Providence College with a BA in English and Education. She pursued her career in Education at St. Augustine’s School in Rhode Island and Holy Trinity and Ascension Catholic Schools in NYC. She obtained a MS in English and Remedial Reading at CCNY. Mary Ellen moved to the Hudson Valley to teach at St. Joseph’s Elementary and John A. Coleman High School. She continued her career in education in the Kingston City School System where she taught English for ten years at the high school during which she earned an MS in School Administration at SUNY New Paltz. She later taught for ten years at John F. Kennedy Elementary School where she retired. 

She met Thomas Fuoco, a widower, whom she married at Sacred Heart Church in Esopus on July 19, 1992. They initially lived in Hurley, NY and since have resided in Saugerties, NY. 

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Thomas Fuoco of Saugerties, her stepdaughter, Deborah Fuoco of Kingston; her brother, William (Donna) McGann of Rhinebeck, NY, her nephews; Paul (Christine) McGann of Brewster, NY, Daniel McGann of Lake Worth, FL, Kevin McGann of Brookhaven, GA, and Brendan (Kristin) McGann of Wappingers Falls, NY, as well as many other dear family members. In addition to her parents, aunt, and uncle, Mary Ellen is predeceased by her nephew, Mark McGann. 

Her strong Catholic Faith was evident in her corporal works of charity toward her friends, neighbors, and family members. She loved being active; swimming, playing tennis and caring for her beloved black labrador retrievers. 

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral procession will form at the funeral home at 9am on Thursday, September 12, 2024, and will proceed to St. Mary's RC Church, 160 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 where at 10am a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kingston. For those who wish, contributions in Mary Ellen’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. A tribute for Mary Ellen can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.