Josephine M. Raffaele

Josephine M. Raffaele, of Utica, passed away the day after celebrating her 93rd birthday with her ‘daughter’, Claudia. Her passing occurred on Tuesday, June 1,2010 at the Heritage Healthcare Center. Born in Utica on May 31, 1917, Josephine was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Pane) Raffaele. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy. During her working years, Josephine held employment at several places including St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital as an x-ray technician, the office of Dr. Segal, the Oneida County Health Department, and the Oneida County Social Services Department as an intake worker, the position from which she retired. At home, Josephine was a fantastic baker who took pride in sharing her delicious delicacies. She worked creative magic with her crochet hook and knitting needle, and often gave gifts of her handiwork to her loved ones. Josephine was a reserved woman, humble in demeanor and grateful for all the loving family get-togethers she was blessed with over the years. At one time, she was a parishioner of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Josephine is survived by her “adopted” daughter and primary caregiver, Claudia Cardillo and her husband, Robert C. Cardillo, of Utica; and their children, Robert C. Cardillo II, and Nicholas Cardillo and his wife, Dawn, all of Utica. She also leaves her extended family members, Sylvana Emprin of MA; Sylvana’s daughter, Carla Bossone and husband, Steve, and their son, Alex; and James D. Lia and his wife, Vonda, of CA; longtime friend of both Josephine and her sister Theresa, Cindy Zysk; and her devoted neighbor, Charlie Lanza who always cared for Josephine and watched over her home. She was predeceased by her sister, Theresa D. Raffaele; her godmother, Emma Kotch; and her special friends, Emma and Vito Lee, and Josephine Danella. The family extends sincere appreciation to Rev. Anthony P. LaFache and Deacon William Dischiavo for their love, compassion, and spiritual guidance. In keeping with Josephine’s wishes, the family will gather privately to honor her life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Josephine’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Josephine M. Raffaele

May 31, 1917 - June 1, 2010