Obituary of Josephine DeFeo Palombi

Josephine DeFeo Palombi, 82, of Highland Road, Amsterdam, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 9, 2007 at her home. She was born in Amsterdam, New York on March 19, 1925 a daughter of Vito and Anella DiBlasi DeFeo. She was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and attended Amsterdam schools. Mrs. Palombi first was employed at Fownes Brothers Glove Co. in Amsterdam. She later, along with her husband, became co-owners of the former Castler?s Market in Amsterdam. The market operated from 1959 until their retirement in 1998. She was a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam and was a member of the church?s Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Santa Sofia Society and the St. Mary?s Seniors. Mrs. Palombi married John J. Palombi on May 16, 1948. He passed away on their 54th Wedding Anniversary in 2002. Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Smrtic and her husband Gerald of Amsterdam; two grandchildren, John Smrtic and Kristen Smrtic and her husband Richard McMahon; three sisters, Sophie Tambasco, Grace Palombi and Jennie Riccio, all of Amsterdam and a dear friend, Sandra Guillen. Nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel DeFeo and Joseph DeFeo and two sisters, Rose Sagarese and Dolores Marotta. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 10:15AM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15AM at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Grove Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. Lawrence J. Decker as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Michael?s Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to G.A.V.A.C., P.O. Box 11, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to St. Michael?s Cemetery, P.O. Box 699, Amsterdam, NY 12010.