Teresa Marie “Pat” Pugliese (Killeen), 94, set off on her journey straight to heaven on July 24.
She was born in Boston to a large loving family where at 16 she started her singing career, the voice of many commercial jingles at WHDH radio she hosted a morning radio show and hosting a children’s talent show on WBZ TV. At 18, she signed with Music Corporation of America and toured with the Charlie Barnet band playing the Statler Hotels all across the country. In Detroit she met and married — and then traveled with — her husband Paul Pugliese, a talented trumpet player.
They eventually left life on the road to settle down in his hometown of Port Chester, New York. Pat and Paul opened The Music Center in 1958 in Mamaroneck and later Larchmont. Over the years, they made many friends entertaining in the local communities, teaching countless children music, supplying instruments to school bands, selling sheet music, records, and instruments of all kinds.
Sadly, children were not to be for them, so the children of Westchester and many nieces and nephews were their family. Many former students would return to say hello over the 56 years the store was in business — some bringing their own children to sign up for lessons.
In 2001, Pat was beaming with pride when she threw Paul a surprise party to celebrate him going back to Manhattan School of Music to finish his degree and graduate at 79. All 100 guests kept the party a secret.
Paul passed away in 2005 and despite macular degeneration Pat kept the store going with help until 2014. She moved to Cape Cod to be near family and resided at Thirwood Place in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and more recently Royal of Cotuit in Mashpee, Massachusetts. With her sparkling personality made many good friends at both places.
Paul’s family in Port Chester and Pat’s family in Boston were very important to them. They would travel back and forth for holidays and vacations. They doted on all their nieces and nephews, bringing them home to New York for a visit, taking them on trips, and always bringing music into their lives. It was always said that Christmas didn’t start until they arrived — especially since Christmas was also Paul’s birthday. After Christmas dinner there was always a show, with lots of singing and each of the children would play their various musical instruments. The cherished memories they gave us all live on in the stories we tell our children and grandchildren.
They were loving, generous, fun, kind, and supportive through all life’s joys and tragedies. Aunt Marie, as she was known to all of us — always through her faith and resilience — shared with all who knew her, the powerful lesson of positive spirit and will forever be remembered for that and her vivacious smile and laughter.
We bring her home to rest in peace at St. Mary’s Cemetery with her beloved Paul.