Irene M. (Ruane) Fuoco

Irene Mary (Ruane) Fuoco

72, of Johnston passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020 from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. She was the beloved wife of Frank J. Fuoco. They were married for the past 34 years. Born in Chicago, IL, on December 21, 1948, she was a daughter of the late Thomas M. and Mary Rita (Houle) Ruane.

Besides her husband Frank she is survived by her loving daughter: Kathryn E. “Katy” Fuoco, Esq.  of Johnston, her dear siblings: Kathy West and her husband Barry of Wichita, KS, Tom Ruane, Jr. and his wife Pam of Kansas City, KS, Jim Ruane of Lawrence, KS, Maureen Neidow of Lawrence, KS, Colleen Vickers and her husband Michael of Dever, CO, her dear brother in law Jim Bulger of Olathe, KS and sister in law Florence Fuoco of Johnston. Irene was also the sister of the late Mary E. (Ruane) Bulger, Michael J. Ruane and Mary R. Ruane. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Irene grew up in Wichita, Kansas where she graduated high school from Mt. Carmel and then Sacred Heart University with a bachelor of science degree.

Irene had a 44 year federal career at the Food and Nutrition Service where she held close to 20 different key positions, helped set policy direction, played a critical role in implementing Electronic Benefits Transfer to move SNAP participation from food stamp coupons to electronic debit cards, facilitated internal and external partnerships, and guided, coached and mentored countless FNS Staff. Her career allowed her to travel extensively throughout the United States during her lifetime.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Due to the COVID pandemic, a celebration of Irene’s life will be held at a later date in the future.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.