Obituary of Audrey Ann Cuda

Audrey Ann Cuda, 83, passed away peacefully to be with her Savior and loved ones who went before her on September 8, 2022. She was surrounded by the love of her family and in the care of the wonderful staff of St. Peter’s Hospice Inn. 

On August 21, 1939, she was born in Astoria — Queens, NY, to her late parents Liberato and Jeannette (Lombardo) Massaro. She was the youngest child and the only girl in the family, when her mother Jeannette passed at a young age, Audrey was immediately promoted as matriarch of her family.

Her family moved to Charlton on Peaceable Street, where she attended a one room school house before graduating high school from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in 1957. Audrey continued friendships with many of her classmates, all who remember her vibrant, outgoing personality. Audrey played a keen role in organizing her class reunions, as well as monthly luncheons with other Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake alumni; she was the ringleader when it came to party planning!

In 1958, Audrey fell in love, became engaged and married her husband, Anthony F. Cuda. As young adults, they knew their love would withstand time, especially since they had so much fun together! They lived during the fabulous 50s, where her love for the iconic Manhattan cocktail began, like the drink she was classy and timeless. 

Together they raised their two children in their beautiful home in Rotterdam Junction. She loved that home, and made it into the special home family and friends will always remember. After her husband, Anthony, passed away in 1988, she took over the role as matriarch even stronger, being there for her brothers, children and extended family. Her home was a place of celebration, four course meals, beautiful decorations, lovely gardens and super Italian traditions. 25 years ago, Audrey traveled to Italy for a once in a lifetime trip. 

As a person, she was simply “fabulous”. She loved being in a social environment and was the “hostess with the mostess”. If it was a Friday night at Cambridge Manor in Scotia, you best believe Audrey would be hosting cocktail hour with her “Golden Girls”. 

Audrey loved staying in contact with people, so much that she learned how to use her iPad and iPhone as well as the younger generations and when needed would enlist the tech help of her granddaughter who was dubbed “The Help Desk”.  Her young, vibrant personality withstood time, and whoever she met had a lasting impression of her. She also had a strong love for animals, especially her grand-dogs Mortie and Geppetto.

Before all else, Audrey’s biggest accomplishment was her family and the love she had for her children. She was an amazing grandmother, who never missed an event or special day in their life. She will forever be remembered as the “Queen” to everyone who knew her. She would have gotten the biggest kick had she known she passed the same day as Queen Elizabeth!

The family wishes to thank Glendale Nursing Home at Union and Erie Station and St. Peter’s staff in the I.C.U and the Hospice Inn for their devoted care to Audrey.

To continue Audrey’s memory are her children, Thomas Cuda; Jennifer (Stephen) Riviezzo; cherished grandchildren, Nico and Gianna Cafarelli and bonus grand children, Isabella, Noah and Daniel Riviezzo; brothers, Lawrence and Robert Massaro; Sister in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her husband, Anthony, and her brother, Albert Massaro.

Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. On Wednesday, September 14th from 4 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Scotia on Thursday, September 15th at 10 AM. Burial at St. Cyril’s in Rotterdam will follow Mass. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, 315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208. Online condolences at glenvillefuneralhome.com