In Loving Memory of Maria P. Furgiuele
It is with heavy hearts that we share the death of our beloved Executive Director, Maria Furgiuele, who passed away on June 19, 2022.

It's difficult to find the "right" words in times like these. What we can say is that Maria was a deeply kind individual who cared immensely for her loved ones and her community. She dedicated herself to reshaping the Rochester region, one interaction and friendship at a time. Maria knew that the purpose of life wasn't work, and put experiences and human connection above all else. She also happened to love her job at the CDCR and never failed to remind anyone of that. It was the perfect intersection of her values, interests, and skills. We are lucky to have had her as part of what she lovingly termed the "CDCR family" for over a decade.

As we approach the organization's 20th anniversary, it's tough to imagine getting this far without her. She has left a very special, Maria-shaped mark on Rochester and its urban planning movement -- and that is why the vision she preached, believed in, and dreamed of will be her legacy and our reality.
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Obituary of Maria P. Furgiuele

Entered eternal rest after a battle with cancer on June 19, 2022. Maria was predeceased by her father, Costantino Furgiuele. Maria is survived by her husband, Charles White; son, Clark White; mother, Migdalia Furgiuele; sister, Fanny Furgiuele (Cliff Palmore); nieces, Eva and Faye Palmore; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members.

Maria will be remembered for her long involvement with the Community Design Center of Rochester where she served as the board president and more recently the Executive Director.

She loved Rochester and was a true renaissance woman. Receiving her degree at New York Institute of Technology, she became a Registered Architect and designed several residential projects in the Rochester area. As a businesswoman, she partnered with her mother at Veni Vedi Gallery. Being a licensed real estate agent allowed her to further explore Rochester and the surrounding area. Her love of bicycles brought her to volunteer with R Community Bikes where she enjoyed working on repairs to help underserved parts of our community. The culmination of her passions led her to the Community Design Center of Rochester.  

Maria immensely enjoyed getting together with family and friends and engaging in long discussions. She enjoyed traveling the country and world. A life-long skier, she also enjoyed paddle-tennis, camping, and relaxing on beaches.

Her family wishes to express their gratitude for everyone who offered the gift of food, comforts, and other support during her difficult time.


Friends and family are invited to her Memorial Service Saturday, July 2, 2022, 10:30AM at the Church of Assumption, 20 East Ave, Fairport, https://cota.church.


In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following organizations: