Mrs. Mary Papa Russo, age 94, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was born November 7, 1921 in Gloversville, the daughter of the late Mario and Bridget Porto Papa. She was employed as office manager by the family-owned Mario Papa and Sons for many years. She was also a realtor at Joyce Royal Century 21 Real Estate for 20 years until the age of 80. Mary was an active member of the Church of the Holy Spirit and its Sisters of the Holy Spirit. She was a member of the National Realtors Association, the Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary, the Fulton County Republican Women’s Club and the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. For 40 years, she was a member on the board of managers of the Getman Memorial Home and also served on the Miss Fulton County Pageant board. She also served in the Boulevard School PTA and as President of the Park Terrace School PTA. Survivors include two devoted children, Santo “Sandy” Russo Jr. of Gloversville and Debora R. Peretsman (Samuel) of Charleston, SC; a brother, Charles Papa of Gloversville; a sister-in-law, Shirley Papa of Mayfield; six adoring grandchildren: Lynne Grden (Paul), Anthony J. Detarando, Michael A. Deterando (Liz), Elise Russo, Jessica Peretsman and Benjamin Peretsman; a daughter-in-law, Joey Russo; a son-in-law, Anthony M. Detarando; five adoring great-grandchildren: Marisa, Anthony, Matthew, Michael and Ava. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Santo Russo Sr. in 1975; her daughter, JoAnn Detarando; and three brothers and a sister: Alphonso Papa, Dominic Papa, Hortenzio Papa and Madeline Franco. The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 4pm Sunday, April 24th at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St; Gloversville, where a prayer service will be conducted 9:15am Monday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 151 S. Main St; Gloversville. The Rev. Donald Czelusniak will be the celebrant. Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Getman Memorial Home, 15 E. State St; Gloversville, NY 12078.
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