Josephine M. Fanelli

UTICA - Josephine M. Fanelli, age 86, went home to the Lord on Thursday, December 31, 2020 when she peacefully passed away at the Abraham House in Rome, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 19, 1934, the feast day of St. Joseph, in whose honor she was named, Josephine was the daughter of the late Salvatore V. and Elvira (Marcantonio) Molé. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1952. At the age of 19, she started a career as a secretary at the WIBX—WRUN Radio Station working for little-known TV and Radio personality, “Dick Clark”! She then began to prepare for motherhood, and soon she raised her 4 boys, and then her only daughter was to follow. As the kids matured, she accepted a secretarial position at St. Elizabeth Hospital, a career that spanned 28 years. Concurrently, from her home, she was established as a well known Ceramics teacher, a proprietorship to which she was very dedicated. If that wasn’t enough, she was the night Administrative Assistant at CMI (Cooperative Magnetic Imaging), and in time, she was able to retire in 2006 and be a full-time Nonnie to her grandson Christian. Her hard work ethic was instilled in her children because she wanted them to be strong, independent, and appreciative of what they accomplished in life. As well as being charitable to many organizations, Josephine selflessly gave of herself with all her heart and soul, whether you were family or friend. She was an amazing cook and excellent baker in her own Italian way and shared her traditional delicacies with all. She was old school in embracing her heritage and hosting homemade meals. She had a green thumb and tended to her plants, nurturing them in her home and in her yard. Raising her children was everything to her, and nothing was more important. She always wanted to be connected to all the generations of her children. In more recent times, she enjoyed boating on Oneida Lake and visiting Sylvan Beach. She socialized with others, especially Fran, and Mary Ellen, traveling together and sharing many good times. She practiced her Catholic faith as a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. A very spiritual woman, she prayed the Rosary every day, and her good intentions for others were made known to her Lord and Savior. Josephine is survived by her children and their loves, Michael A. and Donna Fanelli, George and Patti Fanelli, Salvatore A. and Sharon Fanelli, Paul Fanelli with whom she resided, and Joanne and Stephen Babiarz; grandchildren, Reneé (Nick) Demma, Telicia (John) Orloff; Michelle (Jason) Britton, Nicholas (Michelle) Fanelli; Nicole (Joseph) Piston; and Christian G. Babiarz; and several beloved great-grandchildren. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; lifetime friend, Rosemary DeFazio; as well as the special bond she shared with Fran and Don Leo, and Mary Ellen Schrader, all who went above and beyond; Marsha Martin, Julie Moore, and Shari Dutcher. All of these gals were her St. Elizabeth circle of devoted friends. She also leaves a special cousin, Carrie Lindsay; and family friend, Paul Rabbia. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Salvatore V. “Sam” Jr. and Carrie Molé, and Vito S. “Bucky” Molé. The family is grateful for the genuine compassion of the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; and the personnel of the Abraham House in Rome for providing comfort, care, and compassion during the last moments of her life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning, January 6, 2021 at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Social distancing and registration for contact tracing will be implemented. Also, a mask covering your nose and mouth will be required. Memorial donations in Josephine’s name may be directed to the Abraham House for their mission and compassion rendered to the family, online at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org. Envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place privately in Forest Hill Cemetery. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Josephine’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Josephine M. Fanelli

March 19, 1934 - December 31, 2020