Obituary of AnnaMarie Grace Rullis
It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of AnnaMarie Grace Rullis(Yannuzzi). AnnaMarie, fondly known as Pumpkin by her husband Carmine and Amzie by her family and close friends, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the age of 84 surrounded by her family after a 6-year courageous fight with dementia.
AnnaMarie cherished her role as a wife, mother and Nonna. Her vibrant personality, perfectly put together fashionable wardrobe, not one hair out of place and beauty would light up any room she walked into with her smile. You would never leave her home without a full belly of a perfectly prepared Italian meal and an adult beverage or two, especially a dirty martini which was her favorite.
Born on August 21, 1940, in Newark, NJ. AnnaMarie was a graduate of Barringer High School in Newark, NJ where she met the love of her life Carmine Rullis at the age of 16. Carmine would climb the walls of the school to the second story in order to wave to AnnaMarie while she attended school each day and so he could admire her beauty through the windows until she graduated.
After graduating high school AnnaMarie worked at Ohrbach’s department store as a jewelry sales consultant until she and Carmine eloped in 1961. They settled in Newark, NJ together and in 1962 AnnaMarie and Carmine built a family business together, Car Glass Company, where she was the secretary until they started their family in 1970 where she took on the role of being a devoted wife and mother.
In 1973 they purchased their first family home in East Hanover, New Jersey where they raised their children together. In 2006, AnnaMarie and Carmine built their dream home and moved to Bayville, NJ. Her days consisted of going to the beach, shopping, cleaning an already immaculate home, cooking and going to work with her husband. AnnaMarie spent her last and final 6 years in South Plainfield, NJ with her family.
She is predeceased by her parents, Genaro and AnnMarie Yannuzzi, and her brother-in-law Anthony (Tony) Carriero.
A devoted wife to Carmine Rullis Jr., AnnaMarie’s most important titles to her were wife, mother and Nonna. She is survived by her husband, Carmine; daughter, Michelle (Mo) Rullis; son, Matthew Rullis Sr., and his wife Liz; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Joella and Matthew Jr. and sister, Vincenza (Vinnie) Carriero. Also surviving is a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.
AnnaMarie leaves a legacy of love for her family, laughter and a joy for life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Cremation Services were held privately under the direction of the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
AnnaMarie’s cremated remains will be placed to rest on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11am at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, Colonia.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked for a donation in honor of AnnaMarie to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org