Ruth (Engler) O'Brien

Ruth (Engler) O’Brien, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 20, 2026, at the Masonic Care Community, with the love of her family in her heart.

She was born in Buffalo, New York on December 1, 1930, daughter of the late Charles H. and Ada (Ness) Engler. After her parents passed away at an early age, she was raised at the Masonic Home in Utica. She was a graduate of Proctor High School, Class of 1949, Rochester Business Institute and Mohawk Valley Community College. On May 12, 1951, she was married to Raymond O’Brien in Historic Old St. John’s Church, Utica, a blessed union of 53 years until his passing on April 23, 2004.

Ruth was employed by the General Electric Company for 40 years and retired as a Contract Administrator.

She is survived by her wonderful children, grandchildren and their spouses along with her great-grandchildren: daughters Kathleen (late Richard Sr.) Kurtelawicz; Karen O’Brien-DeBakey; and son Kevin M. (Elizabeth) O’Brien; grandchildren: Laurie (Josh) Steiner; Jill (Dan) Ayres; Richard (Kelly) Kurtelawicz, Jr.; Matthew (Laura) O’Brien; Daniel (Oana) O’Brien; Sean (Crystal) O’Brien; Aysel DeBakey; and thirteen precious great-grandchildren, and many friends.

She was predeceased by her two brothers: Janson (Jack) Engler and Charles D. Engler.

Ruth especially loved her family, job with GE, volunteering with the youth group Showstoppers and the flute, which she enjoyed playing with many musical groups throughout her lifetime.

Visitation will be held on Monday morning September 28, 2026 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in the Chapel at the Masonic Home 2150 Bleecker St. Utica. Funeral services will commence at the conclusion of visitation at 11:00 am in the Chapel. Following funeral services there will be a luncheon celebrating Ruth’s life. Private burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Old Forge, NY.

At Ruth’s request, please omit floral offerings. Those who wish may donate in her memory to the Food Pantry of St. John’s Catholic Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY 13501 or to a charity of their choice. Envelopes will be available at the service. 

Funeral arrangements by The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica, NY.