Obituary of Josephine Giovanni

Josephine Giovanni, 89, of Hillcrest Spring Adult Home, formerly of 26 Summit Avenue, passed away Thursday October 9, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam with her children by her side. She was born in Fonda, NY on May 23, 1919 a daughter of the late Antonio and Theresa Campagnano Riccio. Mrs. Giovanni was a life resident of the area and was educated in the Amsterdam city schools. Following high school, she worked at Sanfords in Amsterdam in the morning and as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Carbonelli in the afternoons. Mrs. Giovanni married Felix M. Giovanni on October 4, 1941. Following her marriage, she worked as a Real Estate Salesperson at the Adirondack Agency, which Felix owned and operated. The couple resided in Amsterdam during their entire marriage of over 38 years, until Felix predeceased her on July 11, 1978. Mrs. Giovanni was of Roman Catholic faith and was a parishioner of the former St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church as well as having been a member of the Altar Rosary Society of St. Joseph's Church. She was most recently a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam, where she previously enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also a member of several prayer groups in the area. Her loving family includes one daughter, Patricia A. Decker of Queensbury, NY, one son, John A. Giovanni and his wife Susan A. Giovanni of Cape Coral, Fl., one brother, Carmen Riccio and his wife, Jennie of Amsterdam, NY, one sister, Mary Cercone of Hanover, MA, five grandchildren, Edward N. Decker and his wife, Dr. Christine Alexander-Decker of Saratoga Springs, NY, John M. Decker of Queensbury, NY, David A. Decker of Mechanicville, NY, Ann C. Giovanni of New York City, and Michael F. Giovanni of Morristown, NJ, two great-grandchildren, Hannah C. Decker and Sarah E. Decker both of Saratoga Springs, and a close friend, Charlie Wight of Wells, NY. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to her parents and husband, Josephine was pre-deceased by three brothers, Samuel Riccio, James Riccio and Anthony Riccio, a sister, Filomena Lombardo, and her dear friend, Fred Sandy. Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 11, 2008 at 10:15AM at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:15 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, St. John St., Amsterdam with Fr. Lawrence J. Decker as celebrant. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends this evening Friday, October 10th from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY, 12010.