Barbara A. Squeglia

Barbara A. Squeglia, 84, of Tribes Hill, passed away peacefully May 7, 2024 with her family by her side. Barbara was a friend to everyone she met. She had a gift of telling stories and making others feel welcome and loved by her warm heart and friendly smile. She wore many hats well, including Mom, Barb, Mrs. S, and Grammies.

Barbara was born in Amsterdam, NY to the late Paul and Anna (Saita) Hacko.

Barbara epitomized service, and focused her life’s work on helping others. She graduated from St. Francis De Sales School, Gloversville, NY and furthered her education at St. Peter’s Hospital School of Nursing, Albany, where she earned her RN degree in 1960.

Her nursing career began at St. Peter’s Hospital, and then St. Mary’s Hospital, while also devoting time as a private duty nurse aiding and touching the lives of countless patients. She then finished her work as the school nurse at Fonda-Fultonville Central School for 27 years. She was able to be close to her children, and guided thousands of students through their school years.

But her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment she spent with them whether it was hosting her favorite holidays at Thanksgiving and Christmas; relaxing at the ocean, especially Hampton Beach, NH and later Long Beach Island, NJ; or simply floating under the sun in her pool at home. She had big dreams, but none more important than seeing and cheering on her children to chase theirs. She was the life of any party, with an occasional Manhattan nearby or a stop for a sandwich at Russo’s, and adored going out with her many friends to laugh and share a good story. She enjoyed spending time around the house with her many loyal dogs and cats over the years. Her proud presence was felt at kids’ sports, graduations, and church ceremonies. While she loved being at home in Tribes Hill, Barbara found paradise in trips and visits to Saratoga, New Jersey, Boston, Chicago, Hilton Head, Holy Cross, Florida, and the Bahamas.

She kept her mind sharp as an avid reader, playing solitude, and doing Wordle every morning with her husband Anthony over coffee. She also never once missed an opportunity to send a card or thoughtful note written in cursive for the special moments to her family and friends. Simply put, she taught us all that the little things matter most to a life well-lived.

Barbara was a longtime parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church in Amsterdam. She was God’s faithful servant, and you could always find Rosary Beads nestled tightly in her hand.

Barbara is survived by her husband of 63 years, Anthony Squeglia whom she married September 4, 1960: her children, Jacalyn Squeglia (Jay) of Guilderland, NY, Rosanne Wavres (Michael) of Amsterdam, NY, Anthony Paul Squeglia of Tribes Hill, NY and Richard Squeglia (Jeanne) of Mountain Lakes, NJ; so many beautiful and loving grandchildren, relatives and countless lifelong friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 50 Cornell Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010

To leave a message for the family please visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com