ALBANY – Ruth Travis Occhialino, age 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Ruth was born in Albany on March 7, 1928, the oldest child of Adelbert Travis and Barbara Gansle. When Ruth was 13, her mother died and she stepped in and helped raise her brothers and sister. She attended the Philip Schuyler High School and graduated with the class of 1946.
In 1948 Ruth married Anthony J. Occhialino, Jr., and they enjoyed over 50 years together living in Albany. Ruth was employed for 35 years as a cook at Son’s Restaurant on Western Avenue in Albany. She loved to cook, chat on the phone with friends and relatives, tend to her flowers, and watch an occasional television show.
Ruth was predeceased by her mother and father, husband Tony, brother John and son-in-law Michael Colavecchio. She is survived by her daughters Barbara Colavecchio and Judy Egan (John Jr.), grandchildren Jessica (Scott), Jack, Christina (Kai), and Shelby (Nick); great grandchildren Grant, Elizabeth, Virginia, Maeve, James, and Nicholas; her sister Mary, brothers William and Frank, and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS), on Friday at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church prior to the mass beginning at 8:00 a.m. Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie, at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Suzanne Kelly
Special memories of Ruth, who we were privileged to meet several times while visiting USA , from Australia. We got to know a lot about Ruth , through our friendship with Barbara & Michael.
Ruth was kind, generous, a witty sense of humour & always made time for others. She warmly welcomed us & loved learning about Australia.
It was clear how much she loved her Daughters, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren & Family.
Our Deepest Sympathy & Prayers are with Barbara, Judy & Families & all who loved Ruth.
Suzanne, John Kelly & Family ( Seaford, Australia )
Cindy & Jim Fahey
Barbara, Judy & family, sending hugs & prayers to you all.
Meg Shanahan Stackman
Barbara, Judy and family I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was such a sweet lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Meg Shanahan Stackman and family