Grace Ann Pugliese

Grace Ann Pugliese (Druzba), 92, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born on November 28, 1932, in Schenectady, NY, Grace was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Grace Druzba of Niskayuna. She graduated from Nott Terrace High School and trained as a registered nurse at the Union University School of Nursing at Albany Medical Center Hospital, always a source of pride for her. One evening while working in the ER, she met a handsome 4th-year medical student named William M. Pugliese. As he liked to relate, he was instantly captivated by her and her beautiful blue eyes--and the rest, as they say, is history. Grace and “Dr. Bill” married in 1954 and went on to share 65 wonderful years of marriage.

While living in New Paltz, NY, where her husband William had a medical practice, Grace devoted herself to her family as a loving wife, dedicated mother, and devoted grandmother. She and Dr. Bill also resided in Kingston, NY, Stuart, FL, then finally in Cary, NC. Grace was an avid reader and lifelong learner who found joy in travel, gardening, golf, reading, and music (Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, or dancing around to the Beach Boys). She volunteered generously at the local library and in her children’s schools and activities. Grace also formed numerous deep and lasting friendships throughout her life, many of which endured until her final days.

A passionate follower of current events, Grace read multiple newspapers daily, including the Wall Street Journal, and never missed a news broadcast. Even into her nineties, she could always be found with a newspaper in hand and the television news playing in the background. Grace was a force, strong, feisty, warm, and wise, and she never stopped being a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend.

Grace is survived by her three children, Holly Pugliese Kimmey (Dennis) of Clifton Park, NY, William Aldon Pugliese of Miami Beach, FL, and Heather Pugliese DeLucia (Vincent) of Apex, NC. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Jillian, Allison (Nathan), and William DeLucia, and Naomi Kimmey; her brother Joseph Druzba (Arlene); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her loving husband, William McCammon Pugliese (2019), and her brother, David Druzba (2005).

A celebration of Grace’s life will be held on June 20th at 10:00 AM at the Brown Wynne Funeral Home at 200 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511, with a coffee reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice organization of your choice in her memory.

Our mother will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love. We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice of Cary for their compassionate care, as well as to the dedicated team at Spring Arbor of Cary for their support during her final weeks.