Josephine (Bruno) Scarfo

Mrs. Josephine (Bruno) Scarfo, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the St. Luke’s Home. Josephine was born in Utica on April 25, 1925, the daughter of the late Joseph and Vincenza (LoParco) Bruno. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On May 22, 1948, she married John J. Scarfo with whom she shared nearly 65 years. Josephine and John grew up across the street from one another, but it wasn’t until John’s return from his military service that their love flourished. They were role models for their children, and Josephine’s kind, supportive, and agreeable nature was a perfect match for their union. After high school, Josephine worked for the New York Central Railroad Technical Research Laboratory. Upon her marriage to John, she left her career field to focus on her family which was her pride and joy. She later continued her education which yielded her a position at Christopher Columbus Elementary School where she worked in many capacities, retiring as Assistant Librarian. A gracious and accommodating woman, Josephine knew how to entertain, and the memories made from family gatherings from the garage to the family banquet room were priceless. She was supportive and proud of John’s friendships and she especially enjoyed the annual reunions and the Marines military get-togethers. Josephine was also a sharp woman, proper, but warm. She liked baking and everyday cooking using old world traditional values including making everything homemade from scratch. She was creative and resourceful from her knitting to cake decorating and so much more. At the age of 45 she earned her driver’s license at the same time as her daughter. She maintained a strong faith and was a very devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Josephine is survived by her cherished spouse, John; her children and their families, Joanne French of New Hartford and Peter Cucci, Anthony “Scarf” Scarfo of Utica, and Donna and Victor Cardillo of Clinton; her grandchildren, Mark and Katie French, Michael and Carrie French, Rob French, Victoria Cardillo and Anthony Mangano, and Patrick Cardillo; and her 8 great- grandchildren. She also leaves her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, several cousins with special mention of Martin and Angie DeCarolis; and her in-laws George and Marie Didio, Phil Scarfo, and George and Louise Pavese, all of Utica. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Francis and Virginia Scarfo, Anthony “Tony” and Florence Scarfo, Theresa L. and Frank J. Audino, Sr., Joseph and Harriet Scarfo, and her cousin with whom she shared a sibling bond, Dr. Sam Rubino. Over many years Josephine held dear to her the friendships made from her high school sorority. She also enjoyed going to lunch and shopping with her lifetime friends of Christopher Columbus School. The family sends a special thank you to the staff of the St. Luke’s Nursing Home for the extended care provided to Josephine. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Josephine’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday afternoon at 12:00 at the funeral home with Rev. Joseph Salerno officiating. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Josephine (Bruno) Scarfo

April 25, 1925 - April 2, 2013