Mary N. (futtner) Sposito

Mary N. (Futtner) Sposito died peacefully at her home on Tuesday, (June 16, 2009) with her loving family at her side. She lived a full life of 96 years. She died at her home in the brick house on Gold Street that Pete and Mary built only 200 feet from her birth home next door. Mary was the daughter of East Hartford farmers James J. and Marymichaele 'Katie' Futtner. She adopted a strong work ethic and a penchant for fun. She was a beautiful young woman, bookkeeper, wife, mother, caring daughter, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She spent her early years on the farm on Forbes Street. Mary graduated from Burnside School and from Hartford Secretarial School with honors. She achieved an 80 word per minute typing speed for a five-minute interval as recorded by the 'Gregg Transcription Test'. She married the sales manager of Nutmeg Auto Supply, Peter J. Sposito on July 20, 1940. Their loving marriage lasted 32 years until Pete's death in 1972. They were blessed with two children Angela and Peter. Mary became intensely involved with a variety of community organizations including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, St. Rose Church, and its Ladies Guild and she served as Treasurer of the Silver Lane School PTA. She was an avid Yankee Fan and often kept box scores for the games. Her favorite player was Yogi Berra. She maintained her crocheting skills well into her eighties and could always be found working on a new Afghan to give to a Birthright Baby. She made time to spend with family and friends impressing them with her love of nature. She could name all local wildlife and trees becoming a student of natural wonders. She never left her childhood far behind finding fun things to do wherever she traveled. Friends remember her leading songs on long bus rides with the Girl Scouts on trips to Washington D.C. and beyond. She was recognized for her leadership and untiring enthusiasm for organizations that helped communities to grow and prosper. Mary was awarded with the 'Spotlight Award' by the East Hartford Board of Education in 1989 and 1993 for her volunteer library work; the St. Rose Ladies Guild Achievement Award in 1996; and The Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation from Archbishop Henry J. Mansell in 2004. She also volunteered her time to the American Red Cross Blood Mobile, the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association. She was an energetic participant of the Greatest Generation; she gave without expecting a reward. She displayed her business and management skills as Manager of the family owned East Hartford Motel. She ran the financial and personnel functions of the business hiring local residents many of whom looked to her as their first employer/mentor. She was predeceased by all of her siblings and their spouses: Blacey and Mabel, Angelus and Constance, Raymond and Antoinette Futtner and Rosanna and William Andrulat. Most of her friends passed on before her while she and her daughter Angela lived a life dedicated to mutual love and service to friends and family. She leaves her daughter Angela Mary Sposito of East Hartford; her son Peter and his wife Susan of Glastonbury; four grandchildren and their spouses Marybeth and Doug Murdoch of South Windsor; Joseph and Nona Sposito of West Hartford; David and Kelly Sposito of Stamford and Michael and Christine Sposito of Plainville. Her seven great grandchildren include: Mary, Matt and Peter Sposito, Melissa and Brian Murdoch, Claire and Lucy Sposito. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family thanks both the Senior Center of East Hartford and South Cross, Inc. with a special mention to Maria and Janet. Both organizations provided wonderful care for Mary in her final years helping the family to enjoy her presence at home. Funeral services will be Friday, June 19, at 8:45 a.m. from the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 33 Church Street, East Hartford. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on TODAY from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers Mary asked that friends and family consider a gift to St. Rose Church Perpetual Growth Fund, c/o 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family and directions please visit www.desopo.com.