Mrs. Josephine M. "Jo" (Castelli) Cecilia

WHITESBORO - Mrs. Josephine M. “Jo” (Castelli) Cecilia, age 92, was reunited with her husband when she passed away on Friday April 21, 2017 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family at her side. Josephine was born in Utica on July 22, 1924, the daughter of the late Michael and Almerinda (DeVito) Castelli. She was raised and educated locally. On April 17, 1948 she was joined in the Sacrament of marriage to Enrico P. Cecilia. The couple enjoyed nearly 69 years in a special, loving relationship marked by deep commitment and devotion to one another. They “kept an eye on each other” to the very end. Enrico passed away just 2 months ago on February 18, 2017. During the “We Can Do It!” era, Jo worked in manufacturing, producing clothing for the military at many area mills during World War II. She subsequently held positions at Utica Radiator where she made aircraft parts for bomber airplanes, and UNIVAC as an assembler. Some years later she was employed at Nofri’s Restaurant where she was well known for her skillful cooking. Josephine lived her life with unconditional love for her family. She was a hard-working, well-organized, wise woman, and her children were always amazed that she could “do so much in a day”. She derived great joy from raising her children and she spent her retirement years babysitting her grandchildren, giving them all her attention, playing their favorite card games and making them jello and other snacks. Jo was blessed with a beautiful voice which she raised in song as a member of the Coro di Italiano Singing Choir until 10 years ago. She was an excellent cook and meticulously perfected and prepared meals in plentiful portions. Baking was also her hobby. She made many cookies and cakes, but her bread, made by hand, was a family favorite. Her children have such wonderful memories of mom’s variation of simple ‘poor man’s meals’ that were as good as any gourmet version. Jo’s table was typically Italian, filled with fine food, fortissimo talk, and flavorful homemade wine. Her pastimes included sewing, needlepoint, and watching “Days of Our Lives”, the Lawrence Welk Show, Jeopardy, and the cooking stations, especially Rachael Ray. She was fond of friendly games of cards and shared many beautiful and memorable occasions with family and friends. She will be remembered for her generosity in giving to her loved ones. Over the years, Josephine and her husband enjoyed their membership at the Whitestown Senior Center, American Legion #229/Utica, East Utica Senior Center, American Legion #113, the Moose Lodge, and the former Sons of Italy Lodge. She was a communicant of The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church. Josephine is survived by her children and their spouses, Elvira and Bernard Attili, Bob and Susan Cecilia, Madeline and Thomas Bartyzel, Cynthia and Robert Godemann, and Denise and Alan Wandley. She held close to her heart the memory of her daughter, Debra Stevener, who passed away on April 23, 2002. She also leaves her son-in-law, Russell Stevener, Sr.; her grandchildren, Cecilia and Glenn Slattery, Catherine and Michael Visalli; James Cecilia and friend Staci, Michael and Monica Cecilia; Thomas Enrico Bartyzel; Russell Stevener Jr. and fiancée Amy, Corina and Robert Chrystie, and Kylene Stevener and friend Tucker; her great-grandchildren, Gianna, Mia and Sophia; Josephine, Nicholas, twins Griffin and Giacomo; Madison, and Kayla; and Vincent; her sister, Rose Mozzetti; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Henry Paniccia, Elizabeth and Mario Juliano, and Sam Mozzetti; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Angelo and Anna Castelli, and Anthony and Antoinette Costello; and her in-laws, Tony Cecilia, and Mary & Art Flisnik. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the physicians and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, ICU, and Special Care Units, especially Cristina/RN all whom were gracious and kind during Jo’s final journey. The family will honor and commemorate Josephine’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday at 12:00 noon at The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Thomas Durant. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired online at https://www.cabvi.org or the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery privately.

Mrs. Josephine M. "Jo" (Castelli) Cecilia

July 22, 1924 - April 21, 2017