Josephine A. "Jo" (Christiano) Pumilio

UTICA – Mrs. Josephine A. “Jo” (Christiano) Pumilio, age 93, went home to the Lord and those she was longing to join, on Saturday, November 6, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Herkimer, NY on October 11, 1928 to the late Joseph and Rosa (Maida) Christiano, Jo was raised and educated in the valley, graduating with honors from Herkimer High School/Class of 1946. She furthered her education at MVCC and the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute. A loving wife and mother, Jo met her husband Joseph A. Pumilio and the pair were married on October 25, 1952. The couple moved to their home in Utica, where Josephine still resided 69 years later. Jo and Joe were a beautiful couple and they shared an authentic love. They created a home where each day was lived to its fullest, and where lasting memories were made. Joe sadly passed away on May 20, 1988, but Jo was content to remain his widow because they were married for life. Jo boasted a varied career that dabbled in her differing interests and skills. She was employed by Munger’s Department Store – a position she enjoyed, where it was always a delightful shopping experience. She also worked for Oneida National Bank of Utica in the Trust Department in the early 1970’s. In 1975, Jo accepted a position as a NYS Certified Teaching Assistant in the Utica City School District. While under their employ, Jo saw to the needs of those students at Christopher Columbus and Albany Elementary Schools, and persisted in these positions until her retirement in 2012. Jo even received and cherished an honorary plaque from Christopher Columbus School for her service and dedication to the children. A rare woman, Jo was beautiful inside and out. Not only could she claim stellar looks, but she was intelligent, talented and virtuous. She possessed a wonderful capacity to appreciate life’s trials – a belief that she held deep in her heart and that also helped her manage as she navigated life through various trying events. Jo was always faithful, relying on the Lord’s grace and trusting in His goodness. To this end, she was a compassionate and selfless woman. Her natural virtue enabled Jo to be a wonderful mother and grandmother. Jo relished spending time with her family, and she often invited her grandchildren to join in her passion. She was an excellent communicator and an even better writer. Though fastidious in all areas of life, Jo was particularly precise when it came to her writing. This attention to detail was shared when she wrote letters to her descendants – she was even a pen pal to her great-grandchildren! Some of her mastery as a writer can be attributed to Jo being so well-read; furthermore, Jo would faithfully read the Utica Observer-Dispatch. At times, when struck by a certain article, Jo snipped and mailed pieces to her grandsons as kind reminders of current news, as well as to reveal an interest in their lives. In addition to her creative writing skills, Jo also had enjoyed art and poetry; she was once published in the National Library of Poetry and received honorable mention from the Writer’s Club of Utica. When technology gave rise to social media, Jo embraced it and kept up with the changes. She learned how to communicate in all the most modern ways: Facebook, texting, video chatting, and calls from her smart phone! Intelligent to the end, Jo was fortunate that the passing years did not seem to touch her mind. She enjoyed spending time with friends, especially with the “Junior Misses,” a special group with whom she shared common interests and a great dynamic of blending their personalities. Always a great shopper, Jo loved going out to lunch, especially with her daughters and then her grandkids. Jo was known to celebrate each grandson’s day separately and with such excitement; the days were filled with treats, lunch outings, and each grandson knew they were uniquely loved and would never forget those extraordinary times. Additionally, Jo was a talented cook, and would host the annual family Christmas Day dinner, which was improved by her gracious presentation. Jo possessed a personal relationship with her Lord. Every day, Jo’s life revealed the richness of her faith – she practiced it in the many ways she lived. Jo especially loved being a member of her home parish, Historic Old St. John’s Church. She constantly supported activities there, always generously giving to support others’ needs. Jo held close to her heart the memory of her daughters and son-in-law, Carol A. and Thomas M. Hryb, and Rosann A. Pumilio-Bartholomew. Jo leaves to cherish her memory her grandsons and their wives, Paul J. and Christiana Hryb, and Matthew T. and Elena Hryb; as well as her great-grandchildren, Olivia, and Dominic Hryb; and Benjamin, and Macie Hryb. She will also be remembered by her son-in-law, Bruce Bartholomew. Jo will live on in the hearts of her sister, Mary T. Dygert, and her late husband William C. “Bill” Dygert; and her nieces and nephews, Carol and Joseph Flannery, Fred and Arlene Pumilio, Mario and Carla Pumilio, Ross and Susan Pumilio, Carol Pumilio, Fred Pumilio, Fred and Kathy Pumilio, and Carolyn and Mark Cramer; as well as several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Jo is additionally survived by her sister-in-law, Angela Pumilio, and her cherished extended family who were also great friends – they lovingly watched over Josephine with great compassion: Peter and Bonnie Hryb, and their daughter Bailey. Jo was predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ferdinando and Cologera (Patellaro) Pumilia, and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Frances Pumilio, Lawrence and Kate Pumilio, Nicholas Pumilio, and Frank Pumilio. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the physicians and nurses at the ICU at MVHS at St. Luke’s, for their compassionate care of Josephine as well as her family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 4:00 – 6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will be held on Friday morning, November 12, 2021 at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St. Donations made in Josephine’s memory will be gratefully accepted to the ALS Upstate NY Chapter, online at https://www.als.org/donate; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, online at: https://www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Josephine A. "Jo" (Christiano) Pumilio

October 11, 1928 - November 6, 2021