Virginia Ann Curto

Virginia Ann Curto, of Brentwood, NY, passed away on Sunday, January 31st at Albany Medical Center.
Our beloved “Ginny” will be remembered by her spirit filled with grace and joy. Ginny dedicated her career as an educator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn and a Master’s degree from C.W. Post College of L.I. Her early career was spent teaching students with special needs. She also worked for Pilgrim State Psychiatric Hospital as a teacher. She later worked and retired from the New York State Insurance Fund, where she was a supervising claims service
representative and used her teaching experience to help train and supervise employees.
While employed for New York State she was the
coordinator for SEFA, through the United Way, organizing employee payroll deductions for
charity. She also facilitated other fund raising events throughout the year.
Ginny was always rescuing animals; feathered and furry. She volunteered for A Wing and a
Prayer on Long Island rescuing cats that were later adopted. She also worked with Ascension
Lutheran Church and St. Anne’s in their food program for the homeless.

Virginia is predeceased by her loving parents, Joseph and Florence Curto. She is the widow of James
Fitzpatrick, and sister-in-law to Allen Bothwell.

Ginny is survived by her sister, Janet Tagle and her husband Thomas and sister Valerie Curto. She is also survived by nephew, Thomas Tagle Jr., and his wife Raina and great-nephew Trip, niece Nancy Tagle and her wife Kelly and great-nieces Reilly and Piper and nephew Joseph Bothwell.

She is also survived by her loving companion, Paul Bernaschina.

Ginny was also a wonderful friend to those she considered family. She was always someone to turn to.
For her nephews and nieces, Ginny relished the holidays visiting the pumpkin farm, trick-or-treating, making gingerbread houses and chocolate-covered treats at Christmastime and Easter-time celebrations. Ginny’s hand-painted nativity scenes and ornate coloring will be treasured. On her more adventurous side, she went white water rafting with nephew, Joseph. She delighted spending time with family. She was an avid Scrabble player, and most of the time won. Her love of the game began with
her grandmother and continued through the years with Words with Friends.

At the request of her family and being mindful of the health crisis there will be a private ceremony. When the time is right, the family will host a celebration of Ginny’s wonderful life in person.

“And there you go,” Gin.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Kidney Fund or your local animal shelter.