Josephine A. "Josie" (Monopoli) Talerico

Mrs. Josephine A. “Josie” (Monopoli) Talerico, age 87, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 25, 1920, Josephine was the daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Pontalaya) Monopoli. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School and the Utica School of Nursing where she earned her credentials as a Registered Nurse in 1944. She completed her training at Perry Jones Hospital in NYC. On June 12, 1948 she married the love of her life, Joseph “Red” Talerico, with whom she shared 40 years prior to his passing on May 25, 1988. Josie and Red were truly in love and she kept him in her memory until the moment of her passing. As a member of the “greatest generation”, Josie enlisted in the U. S. Army and served her country during World War II as a nurse at Tilton General Hospital in Fort Dix, NJ, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After the war, she continued her nursing career in Utica at the County General Hospital where she worked as a nursing supervisor. She also worked for many years at St. Elizabeth Hospital 3B Unit as a charge nurse where she was affectionately known as “Sarge” to her co-workers and was also rumored to have run a “tight ship”. She later worked as Dr. Flint’s nurse until his passing, and lastly as a nurse at the Katherine Luther Home, the position from which she retired in 1993. Josie’s greatest passion was her chosen profession of nursing, and she found a great sense of satisfaction in caring for others’ needs at any time, night or day. Above all, she was a devoted mother and was tireless in her support of her two children and grandchildren. Her professional and civic affiliations included the Sons of Italy Utica Lodge #2054, the former Moose Club, the American Legion, and the New York Nursing Association. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church. Josie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph F., Jr. and Debi Talerico of New Hartford; her daughter and son-in-law, Peggi and John Szuba of Missouri; her grandchildren, Bridget Talerico, Joe Talerico, Rebecca Szuba, and Chad Szuba; and her great-grandchild, Hailey Szuba. Survivors also include her sister, Mary Paolozzi, who Josie admired for her motherly guidance; many caring and loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her sister-in-law, Judy Macera of Syracuse. She was also blessed with many friendships. She was predeceased by her brothers, Frank Monopoli, and Leo Monopoli; her sister and brother-in-law, Palmira “Polly” and Caesar Tomaselli; her nephew, Joseph A. Paolozzi, Jr.; and members of her late husband Red’s family. Peggi expresses her love for her brother Joe and his family who have been special caregivers for their Mom. The family thanks Dr. Mathew J. Ulahannan and his staff for the compassion and care shared with Josie over the years. A special note of appreciation is offered to the staff of the Presbyterian Home, as well as the 4th Floor staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, all of whom have been of great support. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Josie’s honor to the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing, supporting her chosen field; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Josie’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Military Honors. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Josephine A. "Josie" (Monopoli) Talerico

November 25, 1920 - July 24, 2008