Ruth Porcello of Enfield, Ms. Senior Connecticut 1990, Dies

ENFIELD, CT — Phrases such as "sweet," "incredible" and "dedicated" are being used in abundance in Enfield today, as friends of former Ms. Senior Connecticut Ruth Porcello reminisce about her amazing contributions to the town.

Porcello, who earned the Ms. Senior Connecticut title in 1990, passed away Sunday. She was 93.

A tremendous singer and natural performer, Porcello utilized those talents as co-emcee of the pageant on multiple occasions on stage at Asnuntuck Community College.

"Ruth was a "headliner" at many of our Senior America Connecticut pageants held at Asnuntuck," said Joyce Keating, who won the title in 2007 and now serves as co-chair of the annual event. "She and our then-mayor Scott Kaupin co-emceed the pageant, and Ruth bantered back and forth with Scott with hilarious response from the audience. Her jokes targeted our senior population, bringing the house down - sometimes a little naughty, but relating a true picture of our seniors’ lives and our foibles."

"I had the pleasure of emceeing several pageants with Ruth, and she always came prepared with a long list of jokes," Kaupin said. "She was the color commentator to lighten up the crowd. She was an incredible lady, always with a smile, and so dedicated to our town."

Kay Tallarita, founder of the Ms. Senior Connecticut event, recalled Porcello's humility following the 1990 Ms. Senior America pageant in Atlantic City.

"One of Ruth's greatest loves was the Ms. Senior Connecticut pageant," Tallarita said. "She was the president for many years, and her deep love and commitment for the pageant made it shine and continue to this day. In 1990, Ruth won the pageant and was flown to compete in the Ms. Senior America pageant in New Jersey, where she came in fourth runner-up. I will never forget how sorry she was for not doing better; she kept apologizing to me from the stage for not winning, but we all knew Ruth was number one."

For many years, Porcello and her sidekick, 1987 Ms. Senior Connecticut Trudy Dorous, were fixtures at the front door of the annual Home & Product Show, put on by the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

"Trudy and Ruth were a team we Chamber directors past and present could always count on to step up to the plate and help," Keating said.

Former Chamber president Rich Tkacz of Rich's Oil, Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning said, "She was a great lady and an amazing volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce. She was the sweetest person who had the voice of an angel, and often sang the Star Spangled Banner at the home show. She was a true asset to the Enfield community."

Another beneficiary of Porcello's volunteerism was the Enfield Senior Center, directed for many years by Tallarita.

"Ruth was a dear friend and one of the greatest volunteers and supporters to me and of the Enfield Senior Center," Tallarita said. "She never said no and was always willing to do anything needed to make the program better. Ruth Porcello was a very special lady, to me, our Senior Center and to my family. We shared many happy days, and some hard, especially the loss of her dear Leo, the love of her life. Ruthie, you are now in Leo’s arms; may your eternal journey continue with grace and love."

Browne Memorial Chapels is handling arrangements; see her full obituary here.