Mrs. Josephine "Jo" (Famolaro) Grogan

Mrs. Josephine “Jo” (Famolaro) Grogan, age 64, of Utica, went Home to the Lord and her son richard when she passed away in the privacy of her home on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. At the time of her passing, she was comforted with the love and support of her beloved husband Russ by her side. Josephine was born in Utica on January 21, 1947, the daughter of Salvatore, Jr. and Lucy (Napoli) Famolaro. She was raised and educated in the Whitesboro School System and furthered her studies at Mohawk Valley Community College. On February 13, 1982 she married Russell “Russ” Grogan with whom she shared 29 years; they were best of friends, a unique support system to each other and truly in love to the very end. Jo was a trained professional, dedicating over 40 years in the field of health care services. But she would most likely wish to be remembered for her self-taught expertise and artistic flair for photography. She created many works of art that provided numerous families, friends, and businesses with original, creative photographs, CD’s, and cards so they would have memories of special events to cherish. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Jo is survived by her beloved husband Russ. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, richard Wentworth Mitchell II who passed away on February 4, 1995. She also leaves her parents, Sam and Lucy Famolaro of New Hartford; her sisters and brother-in-law, Dorothy Buley of Holland Patent, and Binnie and Michael Fenton of Deerfield; and her brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Marcia Famolaro of Holley, NY. Her extended family includes her niece Tammie and her husband Gary Defilippo of Brockport; her nephews Michael and his wife Caitlin Fenton of Utica, Jason and his wife Lisa Buley of Holland Patent, and Daniel and his wife Jaime Buley of New Hartford; her great-niece Samantha Buley, and her great-nephews, Nicholas Buley, and Mitchell Buley, three children who brought her many special memories and cherished moments. She also leaves behind her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Marvel Grogan of Holland Patent; her sister-in-law Gail and her husband Clarence Filckenger of Remsen Port; her brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Linda Grogan of Prospect, and Bruce and Elaine Grogan of Plattsburg; and several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and godchildren. Jo will also be remembered by several very special individuals to whom she referred to as her adopted children: Derek Benz, Alison Ingmire, Tom Zegger, Michael Ferris, Krista and Larry DiCesare, Matt and Cristen Betzenhauser, Matt and Brad Dunlay; and her very best friend in life, Val Badger Sears. She also had many longtime and trusting friendships. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Dr. Samir Desai and his office staff, Outpatient Infusion personnel at the Regional Cancer Center, and Hospice & Palliative Care staff for the professional support they provided to Jo, Russ, and her family. A special thank you is extended to Father Joe Salerno for his spiritual support. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 and Thursday from 3-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in memory of Jo may make a donation to her son’s fund, the richard W. Mitchell II Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Jo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Josephine "Jo" (Famolaro) Grogan

January 21, 1947 - May 30, 2011