Obituaries & Condolences

Beatrice KukulichBeatrice Marie Ritrovato Kukulech passed away peacefully on February 14, 2015.

On May 26, 1932, Joseph and Helena Ritrovato welcomed their new baby girl who came to be known as Bea, Betty, Betty Boop, Mima, Grandma, Mama Kuku, Meme, and by so many as “Ma.”

Growing up in Tuckahoe, NY, her family, including her brother Paul, (now of Middleburg, NY along with wife Patricia) and sister Mary (Jenison of Pittsfield) moved to Pittsfield, NY in 1947.  Coming from the city area to the smaller Village of New Berlin, she soon made many friends with the graduating Class of 1950, who still hold class reunions every year to this day.

To make things even better, she met and married the love of her life, George Kukulech on July 2, 1950.  In 1952 they bought “The Farm on the Hill” where they would live for the next 62 years.

Raising four daughters, Deb & Jim Eccleston of New Berlin, Sue & Tim Thompson of Orlando, FL, Janice Coveny of Pittsfield and Kathy & Dale Ives of Pittsfield, she always had an open door for over-night friends and a table full of food for anyone who would not leave hungry.

When she wasn’t busy from working in the school cafeteria, she could be found chaperoning band and color guard trips, taking tickets at the Morris Fair and working the concession stand at the stock car races.  Around that time she found a new hobby, making wedding and all occasion cakes which she did for the next 30 years.

With the arrival of grandchildren, Jill, Jennifer, Mickey, Missy, Leslie, Beada, Georgie, Matt, Annie & Jessi, they had to sometimes resort to purposely trying to make a cake flop as they were tired of hearing, “No you can’t have that, it’s an order!”

After retiring from the school she stayed busy with all her “Farm Babies”, was a member of the First United Methodist Church, New Berlin, helped on Election Day at the firehouse and the Pittsfield Ladies Auxiliary.

She also leaves behind 23 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Jane Knapp of Oneonta, several nieces & nephews, extended family and friends of The Oneonta Dialysis Unit and Chase Nursing Home of New Berlin.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2015 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the Dakin Funeral Home LP.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, New Berlin, NY with Reverend Lyle Linder officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pittsfield Emergency Squad, or the First United Methodist Church of New Berlin Kitchen Fund.

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Frank and Eileen Wright
Stevens,PA

Our memories of Bea will always be "sweet"! Her friendly spirit will always bring a smile. Her work at NBCS was in more than the kitchen..
We ae glad we saw her a Chase just last year for a trip down memory lane .. Praying for you!

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Monica Gould Cahoone
Westerly, RI

So sorry for your loss ..... Your mom was a very special person to us .....loved by many .... My mom used to babysit her grandchildren your mom loved each an everyone of u and her grandkids besides her love for many others she will be sadly missed by all ......your in our thoughts and prayers. At this time of lose....love to all Monica and family.

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Ernie and Barb Hanselman
Bloomville, NY

Dear Mr. Kukulech, We were sorry to read about Beatrice's passing in The Daily Star. You were a very blessed man to have such a sweet and wonderful wife. We felt lucky to have known Bea the short time we did, and Ernie hopes to get up to visit you with Mom in the near future.
We always had great conversations at dialysis about farming.

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Terry Sue Potter
South New Berlin, NY

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this time of their lost.
I remember my parents, Mr and Mrs Marvin Hill, going to visit them, many years ago. Bea was a great lady and will be missed by many.

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Regina and Kip Pylinski
Norwich, NY

To Sue and your family, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We are always so lucky to have the great memories that our loved ones leave us with.

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Elaine (Breslin) Boise
South New Berlin, NY

My deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mom.
I remember her from school, from when my Mom use to deliver Avon to her, and when I stayed a couple of times with Janice.
She was the sweetes lady and always made you feel welcome. She will be missed by many. May God's grace help you through this difficult time.

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Emiley Purvis
Niskayuna, NY

A wonderful woman who touched so many lives. She will be missed. Thinking of the family and sending my love and condolences.

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Sue Lidell Klim
Altamont, NY

George, Deb, Sue, Janice, Kathy & families: I was so sorry to hear of Ma's passing....I have such happy memories of time with you up at the farm and on the Color Guard trips. She always made me feel like a member of the family! She will be so missed. My thoughts are with all of you.

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Fran Bennett
So sorry for your loss Kathy and families, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

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Mary Beckwith Mireider
Plymouth, NY

The Kukulech Family Our condolences to the family , May peace be with you at this time .
As you all already know she was a pretty special lady that has a special place in my heart. Mary and family

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Ron and Cindy Hoffman
Earlville, NY

We send our condolences, Kathy and Dale and family. May God's peace and love keep you through this time. Affectionately, Ron and Cindy

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