Ruth B. Furco

Ruth B. Popkowski Furco passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025 in Neptune, New Jersey. She has been described as vivacious, strong, trendy, adventurous, and spunky. To her family, she was Mom, Gramma and GiGi.

Ruth was the eldest child of Doris (Sprague) and Harold Frink. She was born June 2, 1929 in Norwich, New York. She spent her first 12 years there before moving to New Berlin and eventually Syracuse. She graduated from Central Tech High School in 1947, the first in her family to earn a High School diploma

It was in Syracuse that she met her first husband, Chester Popkowski. Together they raised five children. It was a time of family picnics and vacations to the Adirondacks and Canada often with the extended Popkowski family. Chet and Ruth were well known at Syracuse area Polka dances.

Ruth worked at the North Syracuse CSD administrative offices as a secretary for many years. She eventually worked as a supervisor for Onondaga County Support Collections.

After Chet's passing, Ruth cultivated life-long friendships with Helen Regan, Betty Cheney, Shirley Gokey and Juanita Payson.

In 1982, Ruth married James Furco. After a few years, they retired to Spring Hill, Florida. Ruth and Jim were avid travelers, exploring the US, Europe, enjoying cruises and visiting their families. Together, they enjoyed tennis, pickle ball, biking and their strolls along the beach and in their neighborhood. Following Jim’s death in 2003, Ruth returned to Syracuse, eventually moving to Radisson until 2012 when she moved to Audubon, Pennsylvania.

Throughout her life, Ruth was an active member of several churches. She assumed many roles: Sunday School Teacher, Church Secretary along with member and leadership roles in the United Methodist Women. Her faith was the foundation of her strength.

After 95 years of an active and full life, Ruth leaves five children: Kathreen (Martin) Kenney of Freehold, NJ; Nancy Barnes of Exton, PA; Stephen Popkowski of Duluth, MN; Frances (Robert) Lansley of Saratoga Springs, NY; and Christine (Paula Cerio) Kearney of Honolulu, HI. Also to remember Ruth's legacy are 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to Ruth’s graveside services on Monday, May 12th at 11AM at Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners, New York.