Josephine "Jo" Santamaria

UTICA - Josephine “Jo” Santamaria, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the Masonic Care Community of NY. Born in Utica, Josephine was the daughter of the late Dominick and Vincenza (Zottola) Santamaria. She attended Wetmore Elementary School and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. She completed a certificate program as a Medical Assistant from M.V.C.C., which was a proud moment in her life. Jo was employed by Gorea Motor Express as secretary to the Vice President of Sales. She also held an Accounting position in the Business Office at Faxton Children’s Hospital. During her retirement years, she worked as a sales clerk in various departments at J.C. Penney where she was a staple in the Home Department. Jo also volunteered her time and talents in many capacities: she ushered at the Stanley Performing Arts Center; was a member of the Literacy Volunteers of America; served 30 years as a volunteer at Faxton Hospital in the Gift Shop, Medical Records, and lastly at the Regional Cancer Center where she offered many years of service. In past years, she loved to sew; she was a skilled seamstress creating curtains as well as clothing. She enjoyed gardening and was a voracious reader. A devout Catholic, Jo’s home parish was St. Anthony of Padua Church where she had been an active member of the choir under the direction of the late Wes Donaldson. For many decades she was a member of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Josephine is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Antoinette Santamaria, Anna and Arthur Christiano, Rose and Joseph Musa, and Louise and Louis Arcuri; her brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Mary Santamaria; and her niece, Denise Musa. Josephine’s family wishes to thank her doctors, and caregivers, especially Nancy Furlong NP, and the staffs at Wiley Hall and Queen’s Household at the Masonic Care Community. Memorial contributions may be made to Salesian Missions at 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801-5710 or at info@salesianmissions.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.