Carol Ann DeGusipe passed away peacefully in Pittsburgh, PA, surrounded by family on July 11, 2022, at the age of 73. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend to so many. She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” DeGusipe, sons Jason and Eric DeGusipe, and grandchildren, Anthony and Allison DeGusipe.
Carol was born to John and Agnes Almasi on August 7, 1948, in Uniontown, PA. The daughter of a coal miner and homemaker, she grew up in simpler times on the small rural street of Lucille Avenue. Close to many of her uncles, aunts, and cousins where she developed values rooted in family, hard work, and compassion.
After graduating from Laurel Highlands high school, Carol went on to attend Pennsylvania State University where she met the love of her life, Bob. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and then earned her Masters in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Carol went on to educate and develop so many young minds, working at North Allegheny & Fox Chapel school districts. Carol loved working with children, imparting all kinds of creative practices to engage the kids in her lessons and help their minds grow through books.
She loved food and cooking was one of her passions. Whether it was making a Sunday spaghetti dinner, a shrimp boil with friends, or cooking Italian and Slovak meals for family, she loved the process. If Jeopardy was not on, the food network was always playing in the background.
Her curious nature lead to extensive travel, visiting numerous countries and immersing herself in the culture. These adventures included teaching children in China, enjoying a glass of chianti in Tuscany with her husband and friends, and riding camels in the Sahara Desert.
As a volunteer, she knew how to make people smile and instilled a sense of self-gratification to those she helped whether it was handing out communion at St. Margaret’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Church, teaching CCD, acting as the secretary for the hockey team and swim club, or organizing food and clothing drives for local shelters.
Carol lived life to the fullest and always brought her zest. She was often associated with the term the “energizer bunny” by her friends and family, as she was always on the go and was never one to slow down, even in her later years. She loved helping to organize the family reunions, holiday parties. Her engaging personality would always light up the room and her focus was simple, to ensure everyone felt welcome. When she wasn’t busy you could find her shopping or talking on the phone for an hour to a friend or family member.
Most of all, Carol had a passion for family in all aspects of her life. She loved, and was loved, by so many immediate and extended family members across the Almasi and DeGusipe families. As well as friends from Uniontown, Pittsburgh, Fort Myers and other areas across the country that she simply considered her one of their own. Her husband, Bob, sons Jason and Eric meant the world to her and her twin grandchildren, Anthony and Allison, were the loves of her life.
Visitations will be held at the Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory LTD, 930 Center Ave., Blawnox PA, Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Family and friends will gather at Christ the King Parish, St. Joseph Church on Dorseyville Rd., O’Hara Township for Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 10:30 AM.