Anne Fugarino Leaves a Legacy of Love and Laughter

Antoinette “Anne” Fugarino, 77, of Mastic Beach, passed away peacefully on October 16, surrounded by the love of her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Born April 27, 1949, in the Bronx to Rose and Andrew Ciavarelli, Anne grew up in a traditional Italian-American neighborhood where family, friendship, and community were central to everyday life. Neighbors gathered on fire escapes and stoops, forming lifelong friendships that Anne treasured. She graduated from Roosevelt High School.

Anne met the love of her life, Frank Fugarino, when she was just 14. The couple married in 1967 and built a life together centered on their five children and 12 grandchildren. Anne often expressed her gratitude for their enduring relationship with a favorite saying: “I’m lucky in love.”

She worked for many years as a secretary at M.S. 45 in the Bronx while raising her family. Beginning in 1970, Anne and Frank spent their summers in Mastic Beach, where they developed a lasting attachment to the community.

In 2008, the couple transformed their summer bungalow into their dream home, becoming passionate about improving the Mastic Beach community they had come to love. She was an active member of the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association where her husband served as president.

Known for her infectious laughter, warm smile, competitive spirit, and love of music and dancing, Anne embraced life with enthusiasm. Her deep faith and devotion to family remained guiding principles throughout her life.

Her husband asks that she be remembered for the joy and love she shared.

Anne is survived by Frank; their children, Kimberle, April, Antoinette, and Christopher; and grandchildren Victoria, Gavin, Kristen, Autumn, Audrey, Luke, Tyler, Evan, Logan, Lily, Alana, and Ryan-Anne. She was predeceased by her son, Frank Fugarino Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

A framed Helen Keller quotation in Anne’s home reflected her enduring philosophy: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”