Josephine M. (Nole) Famolaro

Mrs. Josephine M. (Nole) Famolaro, age 88, of N. Utica, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 16, 1921, Josephine was the daughter of the late Rocco and Mary (Obernesser) Nole. She was raised and educated locally; a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, she was proud to have been a member of the school’s first cheerleading squad. On July 26, 1943 she married Carmen R. Famolaro with whom she shared a rewarding union of 65 years. At one time Mrs. Famolaro was employed by the Utica School District as one of the first crossing guards in the city. She also worked at several local hotels during her period of employment with the Teamsters and Bartenders Union. A gentle and soft-spoken woman with a loving heart, Josephine was devoted to her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Because she considered her loved ones and her home to be the foremost priorities in her life, she selflessly committed her time, her attention, and her every effort to fulfilling her roles as a dedicated homemaker and as the loving caretaker of her family. She was passionate about cooking and baking, and she especially enjoyed utilizing her culinary talents to share favorite dishes, special recipes, and delicious meals with her loved ones. She was never happier than when her family members were gathered together in the loving joy and generous support of one another’s company. The family camp in the Adirondacks was a haven for her and all that gathered and she treasured the many memorable winters she spent in Florida with her husband. She was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church. Josephine is survived by her devoted husband, Carmen; 3 sons and a daughter-in-law, Carl and Sheila Famolaro of Utica, John and Dolly Famolaro of Providence, RI, and Sam Famolaro of NY Mills; and her grandchildren, Dean and Tara Famolaro, Tricia Famolaro, John Michael Famolaro, Erin Famolaro, Karyn and Donald Gilbert, Kelly and Randal Bailey, and Sam Famolaro; and her great-grandchildren, Dylan Famolaro and Danielle Famolaro; Saige and Luke Gilbert; and Evelyn and Oliver Bailey. She is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Victor Viti of FL; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and in-laws, Sam and Lucy (Napoli) Famolaro and Rose Siciliano. Josephine was predeceased by her in-laws, Frances & Sam Pintacuda, Angela L. "Red" Famolaro, James and Carmella (Lupino) Famolaro, Anthony and Genevieve (DiPiero) Famolaro, Rocco Famolaro, Joseph Borgia, and Steve Siciliano. The family wishes to thank Dr. Roger Breslow; the nurses and staff of the St. Luke’s Home for their comfort, compassion and the extra time they took when caring for Josephine. In addition gratitude is extended to the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially the third floor for their attentiveness and true kindness. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mrs. Famolaro’s funeral will take place on Monday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Peter's Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Josephine M. (Nole) Famolaro

March 16, 1921 - April 24, 2009