Ruth Ann Avitabile

Bethlehem- Ruth Ann (Besancon) Avitabile, 80, a long time Bethlehem resident passed away on Dec. 30, 2021. She was a devoted wife and friend of Alphonse Avitabile for over 55 years.

Born September 8, 1941, to the late Francis and Harriet (German) Besancon, she was raised in Waterbury, and attended Driggs Elementary and Crosby High School. She graduated from The University of Connecticut with a degree in Biology.

Ruth moved to Bethlehem and led a full life, raising four children. She took her civic responsibility seriously serving on the town Board of Selectman, Inland Wetlands Commission and Bethlehem Land Trust. Many will remember Ruth for her years as a local Girl Scout Leader and active member of the Bethlehem Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday School. Later in life, she became involved in Soroptimist International, volunteering her time and energy to improving the lives of women.

Ruth was an avid gardener and nature lover. As a true citizen of the world, she loved traveling with friends and family experiencing diverse cultures. She was an excellent cook, and her Thanksgiving dinners were epic.

In addition to her husband, she leaves behind her four children, Nancy and her husband Douglas Vitarelli of New York, Carla and her husband Eddie Stiel of San Francisco, Vincent of Laguna Beach, CA, and Matthew, who resides in Florida. She was "Hamma" to her two grandsons, Alexander, and Sebastian. She was predeceased by her brother Francis.

The family would like to thank the home care and hospice care team for providing compassionate and caring support: Fay Findlayson, Atisha Pennicot, Taiesha Larriuz, Isabel Muchiri, Jean Isley RN, Heather Weinbahm, and Reverend Charles Kamono.

The family would also like to thank the following individuals for their unwavering support Chris Eddy and family, Jerry and Rene Joyell, Vera Rosa, Barbara Salerno, Susan Lewis, Carol Smith, Eugene Thompston, Francina Dywer and Hiro Itoh, and Antoinette and Ken Weathers and Diane Fountas.

A memorial celebration of Ruth's life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alphonse and Ruth Ann Avitabile Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships for students who attend UConn's Waterbury Campus. Donations can be mailed to The University of Connecticut Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive, Suite 3206 Storrs, CT 06269-3206 or Greater Waterbury Campership Fund, 389 Meadow St. Waterbury, CT 06722. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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