Gloria Ann DiRusso

Gloria Ann DiRusso, 83, of Rindge, NH, died peacefully on June 20, 2025, after living many years with dementia. 

She was born on August 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, to William and Mae (Boettcher) Utz. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank J. DiRusso Jr., in 2007, and by her son, Francis W. DiRusso, in 2020.

Gloria was a 1959 graduate of Midwood High School in Brooklyn. She and Frank were married on September 29, 1962, and shortly afterward began building a family. While Frank worked as a police officer in Brooklyn's 73rd precinct, the couple moved to the suburbs of East Northport, Long Island. In 1977, they relocated to Rindge, NH, seeking a quieter environment to raise their five children.

Gloria was a loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother, whose life was a testament to selflessness and care. She gave so much of herself—whether raising her children, working as a chef at The Woodbound Inn, running the lunch program at Rindge Memorial School, or giving up her job to lovingly care for her first grandchild.

Gloria’s way of showing love was through food. She was a gifted cook, and meals were her love language—nourishing family and friends brought her great joy. While she was especially known for her traditional Italian feasts, everything she made was a delight.

In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, working on crossword puzzles, and shopping trips with her three daughters. She cared deeply for animals and always had the companionship of dogs. Gloria also gave her time generously, often volunteering at the town transfer station and helping others discover hidden treasures.

Gloria’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She leaves behind her four children, Lisa DiRusso and her significant other, Thomas, of Templeton, MA, Donna DiRusso of Jaffrey, NH, Joseph DiRusso and his wife, Megan, of Swanzey, NH, and Elizabeth Coll and her husband, David, of Fitzwilliam, NH; her three grandchildren, Lauren Arel and her husband, Corey, of Mason, NH, Remington Raitto, and his wife, Cassie, of Rindge, NH, and Addison DiRusso of Swanzey, NH; and her three great-grandchildren, Wesley and Griffin Arel of Mason, NH, and Reid Raitto of Rindge, NH.

Gloria’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful nurses and aides at Pheasant Wood Center, Jaffrey Rehab, and Compassus Hospice Care, who supported Gloria throughout her care continuum the last several years.

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours and services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10001.

To share memories, photographs and condolences with Gloria’s family, please visit www.cournoyerfh.com