Obituary of Dorothy "Dottie" Fugardi

Dorothy J. Fugardi, 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Dottie’s contributions to our world are countless, but none more important than her 30+ years of being a devoted student monitor at John Jay High School.   During her tenure, she inspired over 15,000 students. Nothing brought her more joy than providing words of encouragement, offering an ear to listen, providing a laugh, a smile, and spreading words of positive thinking.  Her tag line … Make it a great day …… is still remembered by all that felt her love.  Her Patriot Pride was so strong, she was thought to bleed BLUE.

Dorothy was devoted to her faith and was a very active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of Wappingers Falls.  As a Eucharistic Minister, she provided comfort to and prayed with homebound members.  She and her husband Joseph were Marriage Encounter coordinators, she was a volunteer at Vassar Brothers Hospital, delivered food with the ‘Welcome Wagon’, and volunteered for Hospice when it was first introduced to the Poughkeepsie area.

Daughter of the late Robert and Ella Mulligan, Dorothy was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY.  She was extremely close with her older sister Irene and brother Bob.  As a youngster, Dorothy participated in several local musical productions and with brother Bob, competed in ballroom dancing.  Dorothy received her college degree in laboratory technology.  

Dorothy is survived by the love of her life, Joseph Fugardi, sharing 64 years of marriage. Her son Stephen of MA, daughter Laura of NY, and daughter Claire of CO have been eternally blessed with the life lessons and enduring love that she showered upon them.

Dorothy’s four grandchildren, Sean, Rachael, Marissa, and DJ are equally blessed with the spirit of love that she shared.

Please join us at her visitation on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home located at 55 E Main St, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church located at 11 Clinton St, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Wappingers Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Hudson Valley Hospice, www.hvhospice.org.