Ernestina “Ernie” Pugliano passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on January 18, 1932, in New York City, Ernie was the daughter of Louis and Josephina Laboranti. Her family later settled in West Springfield, Massachusetts, where she attended West Springfield High School. Ernie met the love of her life, Frederick Pugliano, “Teddy,” while he was beginning his college years. What began as a young romance grew into an extraordinary partnership and 73 years of marriage, a testament to the deep love they shared. She is survived by her beloved husband, Frederick; her children, Fred and Gina Pugliano, and Donna and Curtis Bain; her cherished grandchildren, Alexandra and Joseph Santone, Christopher Pugliano and Alicia Demers, Erika and Sean Boner, and Joseph and Robyn Pugliano; and her adored great-grandchildren, Carla, Pippa, Rocco, and Liv, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Angela Latour, and her brother, Albert Laboranti. Early in her career, Ernie worked at the Eastern States Farmers Exchange before joining the family’s Monte Carlo Restaurant. While many knew her as the beautiful, warm, and welcoming face of the restaurant, Teddy affectionately referred to her as the restaurant’s “CEO.” Her intelligence, work ethic, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable and at home played an important role in the restaurant’s success and reputation throughout the community. Ernie and Teddy spent their lives in West Springfield, sharing countless happy years together. They loved traveling with friends, golfing, skiing, playing bridge, and spending time at Springfield Country Club, where they were members for more than 50 years. A devout Catholic, she was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield and sang in the church choir for more than 30 years. She was also involved with St. Ann’s Women’s Club, the Daughters of Columbus, the Ramapogue Women’s Club, and other charitable fundraising efforts benefiting local children and families. Her family was her life’s greatest accomplishment, and the love she poured into them will continue to be felt for generations to come. She was a wonderful cook and hostess who loved filling her table on holidays and every opportunity in between. Ernie will be remembered for her beauty inside and out, her warm smile, unwavering devotion to family, deep faith, loyal friendships, and the kindness she extended to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, and family that will endure forever. There will be a funeral Mass held in St. Patrick’s Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Because of Ernie’s deep love for children and family, memorial donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.