Ruth E Luchesi

Ruth Esther Gallagher Luchesi, a resident of Palm Garden of Pinellas in Largo, Florida passed away Saturday, September 10th, 2016 surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on November 17, 1919 in Greensburg, PA to Bessie Mae and Arthur Fulton Gallagher; the youngest, and last surviving, of their five children. She was just two months short of her 97th birthday. Ruth is survived by her four daughters Millicent McNearney of Trinity, FL, Rosalie Deacon of Pequannock, NJ, Dianne Jeffer of Largo, FL and Sylvia Muench of Pequannock. NJ and her son-in-law Thomas McNearney. She left this world an amazing legacy in her thirteen grandchildren – Kim, Kristen, Kerry, Julie, Robyn, Cindy, Jill, Amy, Ginny, Tom, Kathi, Melissa and Amber, thirty one great grandchildren and twenty six great, great grandchildren (whew)! I'm not sure she could name them all but she loved them all. Her husband of 58 years, C. Kenneth Luchesi passed away in 2000 and her son, Kevin Douglas Luchesi passed away in 2009. The death of her son was heartbreaking for her and her health began to slowly deteriorate. Ruth had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell stories of how different life was for her growing up. She was born the year woman were given the right to vote and she herself was a life long Republican. She often told the story of how when her mother first went to vote the Democrats offered all the women fifty cents to vote for their candidate but the Republicans were offering a dollar. And THAT is how we all ended up being raised Republican! She lived through the great depression, World War II and many other trying times but never lost her conviction that something special was in store for her and her family. Ruth was a fantastic cook and baker. No one could forget her custard or lemon meringue pies, baked spaghetti, or Thanksgiving stuffing (those are all my favorites - I'm sure my sisters each have their own!) She also loved antiques and was an avid reader. She made me really jealous by doing the daily crossword puzzles in ink..and rarely making a correction. She was proud that she was so well read and well spoken since she had a difficult childhood and was virtually self taught. We all thought she was pretty incredible. She could be feisty and frustrating at times but she was certainly an interesting woman! Ruth has many nieces, nephews and family friends who will miss her as well. I'd like to give a special thanks to our friend Theresa who went to visit her daily and was with her until the end. It meant so much to her and all of us. And thanks also to cousin Judy who made the wonderful cd's of mom's favorite hymns that I'm sure comforted her that last week. A memorial service will be held on October 17th, 2016 at 10:00 am in the chapel at St. Paul United Methodist Church where Ruth was a member for many years. The address of the church is 1199 South Highland Avenue, Largo, FL 33770. The phone number is (727) 584-8165. Her ashes will be placed next to Kevin's in the church's Memorial Garden immediately after the service. Please join us if possible for the service and if not, please share a short memory on this site so the youngest of her legacy will have a chance to know this remarkable woman.