Obituary of Virginia Patricia Mary Spugani

March 17, 1927 to January 5, 2024

Virginia lived as she passed, with grace and humility, loved by all who knew her.  She always thought of others first, being generous, caring, fun-spirited and loving.  With her deep faith and strength of character she faced life with a positive attitude, no matter life’s challenges.  Virginia had a strong commitment to her family and children, who will all miss her greatly.

Born and raised in Rahway, NJ, to Victor D’Ambrosa and Virginia Cibalerio D’Ambrosa, Virginia grew up the youngest of 6 children.  Virginia developed a strong work ethic early on, helping her father write contracts for his construction business. 

A 1944 graduate of Rahway High School, Virginia began her career during WWII at Newark Army Airbase. In 1946, she became the executive secretary in the credit department of Merck Sharp & Dohme, International, where she met her husband and life-long partner, John Spugani. Marrying in 1954, they raised their family in Rahway. As the children grew, Virginia worked in the Rahway Public Schools:  as Head Start school aid, cafeteria manager, and finally, as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. Virginia returned to the corporate world as an executive secretary at Exxon Corp. in NYC. Upon retirement, Virginia and John moved to Brick, NJ to be near the Jersey Shore. Together they worked at Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck, NJ, where Virginia enjoyed being a specialty chef by sharing favorite family recipes with others.  

Virginia was an intrepid traveller and navigator, carefully planning trips throughout the US, Europe, and the Far East. She was a life-long film buff who knew a generation of movie trivia. Her other passions included preparing special meals for family and friends, baking, road trips, fashion, reading, celebrating all holidays, and frequent trips to DisneyWorld, beginning the year they opened.

In 2018, this native “Jersey Girl” moved to New Canaan, CT, to be near her daughter.  Since 2019, she lived at “The Inn”, the independent residence of Waveny Lifecare Network.  Quickly involving herself in the community, she made many new friends.  

Virginia is survived by her children Joseph of Boynton Beach FL; Patricia and husband Joel Reynolds of New Canaan, CT;  Paul of New York City; and by many nieces and nephews.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband, John, and her siblings Joseph, Michael, Anna Kaiser, Dora, Albert and their spouses.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, January 27, at 10:30am at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan. Immediately following, all are invited to celebrate Virginia’s life by joining the family for a repast at The Inn, 73 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Aloysius Parish, 40 Maple Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 or to Waveny LifeCare Network, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan CT 06840.