Ellen M. Ruberto, 62
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ellen M. Ruberto, 62, Spadina Parkway, wife of Pittsfield Mayor James M. Ruberto, died peacefully at home on Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009, after battling a rare form of cancer.
Born in Pittsfield on Jan. 14, 1947, daughter of Francis J. and Winifred McLaughlin Reynolds, she graduated from St. Joseph's Central High School in 1964 and from Berkshire Community College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
A teacher, Mrs. Ruberto first taught at Highland Elementary School, now Capeless Elementary School. She continued to teach as her husband pursued executive positions at several companies across the country. They resided in in Delaware, Illinois, California, and Texas before returning to Pittsfield shortly before her husband's first, unsuccessful, run for mayor in 2001.
She was a communicant of St. Charles' Church. A community activist, she was involved with a range programs, including sitting on the boards of the Pittsfield Prevention Program, Colonial theater and Zonta Club.
She was a strong supporter of her husband's political career, accompanying him to the city clerk's office when he took out papers in May to run for a fourth term.
She and her husband began dating after attending their senior prom together. They were married Aug. 23, 1969.
Besides her husband, she leaves two brothers, Francis J. Reynolds of Chatham and John L. Reynolds of Boston, and four nieces and three nephews.
She was predeceased by a sister, Ann Furey, on Nov. 13, 2001.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mrs. Ruberto will be celebrated Monday, July 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Charles' Church by the Rev. Peter A. Gregory. Burial will be private.
Calling hours will be Sunday, July 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Charles' Church to accommodate the large number of people expected to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Charles' Church Reaching New Heights Elevator Fund or the Colonial theater, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.