Amy Ruth Glorioso, loving wife, devoted mother, and truly the best Nana in the world, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in her home on Thursday, September 17, 2026. She was 71.
Amy was born on April 19, 1955 in Columbus, the daughter of the late Dr. John O. and Jean (Moran) Smith. She grew up in Shelby, Ohio, on Grand Boulevard, where the roots of a life centered around family, love, and caring for others began. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1973 and furthered her education at Baldwin Wallace University from where she graduated in 1977.
Amy had the heart of a musician, and music was woven throughout her life. She was a longtime member of the Mansfield Symphony Chorus and shared her beautiful voice through Main Street United Methodist Church and First Congregational Church. Singing brought her joy, and through it, she brought joy to so many others.
On August 15, 1981, Amy married the love of her life, Larry Glorioso. For 45 years, Amy and Larry built a life together rooted in love, loyalty, family, and an unwavering devotion to one another. They rarely left each other’s side. Through every season of life, they were a team, standing beside one another through all that life brought their way.
Amy was incredibly strong, not necessarily in the loud or obvious ways, but in the way she continually showed up for the people she loved. She spent so many years of her life caring for her family, often putting the needs of others before her own. When someone needed help, comfort, encouragement, or simply a person they could count on, Amy was there. She was the steady presence in her family, the one everyone leaned on and, quite simply, our rock.
She carried that same love into motherhood. Amy was a devoted mother to her daughters, Whitney Glorioso and Hayley Trittschuh, loving them, supporting them, and continuing to care for them no matter how old they became.
But of all the roles Amy held throughout her life, none brought her more joy than being Nana to her five grandchildren: Stella Jordan, Mason Trittschuh, Braxton Trittschuh, Weston Trittschuh, and Lennon Salser. She loved them fiercely and supported everything they did. She celebrated their accomplishments, showed up for their important moments, worried about them, spoiled them, encouraged them, and loved them in that special way only a Nana can. There is something about the way a Nana loves that no one else can quite duplicate. Amy gave her grandchildren that kind of love completely and without reservation, and they will carry it with them for the rest of their lives.
Amy’s life cannot be measured simply by the years she lived, but by the people she cared for, the family she held together, the music she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Her strength became our strength. Her home became a place of comfort. Her love became something we could always count on.
She was Larry’s wife and partner of 45 years. She was Whitney and Hayley’s mom. She was Stella, Mason, Braxton, Weston, and Lennon’s Nana. She was Andy (Jill) Smith and Adam Smith’s sister. She was our caretaker, our safe place, and our rock. And while our lives will never be quite the same without her, the love she poured into this family will remain in all of us.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 4-6 pm at First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro East Road, Mansfield, OH 44903 where funeral services will immediately follow at 6 pm. Pastor Brad Bunn will officiate the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church for the benefit of their music program.
Care for Amy and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home in Shelby. Condolences may be left on their website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or Facebook page.
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com