Ruby P. Carlucci

Ruby P. Carlucci, 99, lifelong educator and former Principal of several Stamford Public Schools, passed away Friday January 7, 2022, peacefully at her home. Ruby was born November 15, 1922 in Stamford and lived in Stamford all her life. She was the daughter of Florence Bouton Pittaro and Joseph G. Pittaro.

Ruby graduated from Stamford High School in 1940. She then graduated from New Haven State Teachers College as an elementary school teacher. She earned a Masters Degree in Teacher Education and a Professional Diploma from Columbia University in Educational Administration.

Ruby began her teaching career as an educator of new teachers at the New Haven State Teachers College. She then transferred to Stamford and taught in Willard and Westover Schools, before becoming Assistant Principal of the Glenbrook School and Stamford’s first Reading Coordinator. She served as Principal of Ryle and Newfield Schools, and for the grand finale of her career, she opened Davenport Ridge School as its first Principal in September 1972.

Mrs. Carlucci was one of the first Principals in the state of Connecticut to apply for a grant under President Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society.” She received a sizeable grant for the Rice, Stevens, and Ryle Schools. It was within this program that Stamford’s first teacher aides and remedial reading teachers were employed. It was during her tenure at Davenport Ridge School that one of the first all-day kindergartens was started. Mrs. Carlucci was an active member of many parent/teacher organizations and curriculum committees. Throughout her career, she had a passion for working with children, especially children of color and underprivileged children. To continue Mrs. Carlucci’s legacy, a scholarship will be established in her name.

Outside school, Ruby was Chairwoman of the Public Schools Division of the United Way and a charter member of the North Stamford Democratic Club and the Stamford Square Dance Club. She was a member of the Fairfield County and State of Connecticut Retired Teacher’s Associations, the American Association of University Women, the Stamford Democratic Committee, and the Nutmeg Theater Group.

She was a very active member of the Stamford Woman’s Club, serving on the Scholarship Committee and as Friendship Chair. Ruby was a charter member of the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church and has been Secretary and Chairwoman of the Holy Spirit Parish Council. She also belonged to the St. Leo’s Seniors group, where she enjoyed many trips to see Broadway shows. She was an avid domestic and international traveler (having taken many summer-long cruises to remote areas during the height of the “big liner” era with her beloved husband Mark), a voracious reader and list maker (including menus and table accoutrements from every New Year’s Day dinner from 1965 to 1993), a self-admitted “tepid” bridge player, a music enthusiast (especially Opera and old time country favorites), and a tremendous cook, baker, and entertainer. In her later years at Sunrise of Stamford, she relished spending her time with her granddaughter Nicole and among beloved friends including her “soul sister” Ann Pettus and amazing caregivers including Claude M. Carisme and Denroy Craig, whose kindness, compassion, and devotion made her last years wonderful ones.

Ruby was predeceased by her husband Mark A. Carlucci, her daughter Jeanne C. Martel, and her sister Jean Coleman. She is survived by the apple of her eye, her “best pal” and granddaughter, Nicole Martel, of Stamford, niece Gail Smith (and husband Roy) of Guilford, and grandniece Tara Nagel and great grandnieces Page and Carli Nagel of Illinois, and many other nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

A Memorial Service will be held at a date to be determined in the future. Memorial donations may be made to Inspirica (www.inspiricact.org) or New Covenant Center (www.newcovenantcenter.org).