Mother of Harvard resident, devoted to her family and faith
Maria Caruccio. (Courtesy photo)
Maria Clelia Discepolo Caruccio died peacefully at the age of 89 on Jan. 25, 2025. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who brought her family immeasurable love and joy.
Maria was born on March 13, 1935, in the Avellino region of Italy, just before World War II began. Her father died when Maria was 4 years old, so she was raised by a single mother along with her older sister and younger brother in a town occupied by German and Moroccan troops. Maria’s family immigrated to the United States in 1950 when relatives in East Boston appealed to then-Congressman John F. Kennedy, who introduced a dedicated bill in her family’s name to restore her mother’s birthright U.S. citizenship.
Upon her arrival in the U.S. at age 15, Maria worked various jobs to support her family (from seamstress to candy dipper at Schrafft’s) while attending night school. Despite her challenging circumstances, Maria approached life with a sparkle in her eye, a big smile, a curious mind, and an open heart.
Maria had a genuine interest in people of all backgrounds and was fortunate to travel around the world and to have lived in various places, including Boston, New York, Vermont, Florida, and Milan, Italy. In each place she lived or visited, her full immersion and open heart allowed her to develop many meaningful lifelong friendships. She touched the lives of countless people with her warmth, generosity, and deep love for her family.
Whether through her quiet prayers, comforting words, or the countless homemade meals she lovingly prepared, “Nonna” always made sure her family knew they were her highest priority. She demonstrated the true meaning of selfless love and devotion, always putting others first and showing the importance of faith and family. She was an incredibly devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to 11 grandchildren and was eagerly expecting her first great-grandchild in early March. She cherished her family with her whole being. She and her husband kept houses in each of their hometowns in Italy, where they would often host their children and grandchildren, ensuring a deep connection to their Italian heritage.
Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her loving husband, Frank Caruccio; her older sister, Rosa; her younger brother, Quirino; her four children: Rino Caruccio (Lisa), Paul Caruccio (Julie), Francis Caruccio (Julie), and Marisa Caruccio Khurana (Pradeep); and her grandchildren Brianna Whitmyer (Mathias), Luca Caruccio, Nicolo Caruccio, Sandro Caruccio, Sofia Caruccio, Matteo Caruccio, Arjun Khurana, Asha Khurana, Amita Khurana, Evalina Caruccio, and Francesco Caruccio, all of whom she held close to her heart.
Visiting hours were held Jan. 31 at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton. Her funeral Mass was celebrated Feb. 1 at St. Theresa the Little Flower Church, Harvard.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Shriners Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 (www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/boston).
