Mary Kristina Gullo

Essex Mary Kristina (Banz) Gullo, at age "Plenty-eight" died peacefully September 24, 2010 at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, NY after a lengthy illness. Mary was born in Lake Forest, IL, daughter of Richard D. and Cora Westerberg Banz. She grew up in Lake Forest and also lived in Sevilla, Spain as a child. As part of her program at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, she returned to Spain and studied for a year at the University of Madrid. A 1967 graduate of Lawrence, she moved to Washington DC, and joined the U.S. State Department where she met Robert Gullo, who she married in 1969. Together the couple lived in Caracas, Venezuela; San Jose, Costa Rica, the birthplace of their six children; and in Annandale, Williamsburg and Ashburn, Virginia. In 1979 Mary and her husband purchased a summer home in Essex, NY where, with their children, Mary operated the Essex House Bed and Breakfast. She became a permanent resident of Essex in 1988 where she was an enthusiastic participant of the many causes of her adopted Town. She was a Fire Commissioner of Essex, an active member of the Adirondack Art Association and was greatly involved with the Essex Theatre Company in many capacities. From her earliest childhood Mary's passion was art. She became an accpmlished and highly respected artist in several media, primarily painting and drawing but also including lithography, sculpture and jewelry. Mary was known for her unbridled wit and wisdom and her infectious laugh. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her or were touched by her generosity. Mary is survived by her loving partner Mark Rutkowski of Essex, her children Emily Gullo (Mike Casella) of Longwood FL; Dan Gullo of Manchester, NH; Charlie (Ho Suet Yen) Gullo of Singapore; Laura (Joe) Goldy of Hartford, WI; Gerry Gullo of Meridian CT; Tom Gullo of Williamsburg, VA; and her former husband Bob Gullo of Newcastle, ME. All were with Mary in her final days. Mary is also survived by her brother, Richard (Judy) Banz of Boca Grande, FL and her grandchildren; Rebecca and Robert of CT and Samantha, Austin, Devin, and Brianna of WI. All are invited to join in the celebration of Mary's life to be held at the Essex Community United Methodist Church, Essex, NY on October 9,2010. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com