Josephine M. Schillaci Fiorenza
Josephine M. Schillaci Fiorenza, 76, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 with her loving family by her side.
She was born on December 11, 1939 in Rome the daughter of Joseph D. and Mary Depasquale Schillaci. On June 10, 1961 she was united in marriage to Anthony Fiorenza, a union of 50 years. Anthony passed away on December 24, 2011. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church.
Josephine was a graduate of RFA, class of 1957. She was previously employed by Marine Midland Bank, City of Rome, and retired from the Rome City School District as a teacher assistant after 20 plus years of service.
She was an avid reader, liked to crochet, enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, and sitting on her porch in the summer. Josephine had a tremendous amount of love for her family especially her six cherished grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Grammie”. She frequently attended their recreational sporting activities.
She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, wife and friend. She touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege to meet her. She always put the needs of her family first. She will be deeply missed by all.
Josephine is survived by her beloved family, a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Arthur Smolinski; two sons and daughters-in-law, Vincent and Patti Fiorenza and Joseph and Cathy Fiorenza all of Rome; cherished grandchildren, Allyson, Alexandria, Courteney and Brandon Fiorenza, Jenna and Nicholas Smolinski; her mother Mary Schillaci; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Ardie Schillaci, Joseph and Cathy Schillaci all of Rome and Mary Ann Fiorenza of New York Mills; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and special friends Joan Perez and Liberty Danti. She was predeceased by her father Joseph D. Schillaci and her in-laws Vincent and Theodora Gotti Fiorenza.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Oneida Care 4th floor staff, Hematology Oncology especially Ann Roman, Hospice and Palliative Care, and a special thank you to Maria Fulgieri.
A very special thank you to our sister Diane. You took care of Mom as no other could, you second guessed everyone and always asked all the questions. You went above and beyond your duty as a daughter and you know how much Mom appreciated you and so do we. As Mom would say “thank you, I love you”. Love Vinny and Joey.
Funeral services will be celebrated on Friday afternoon at 1:00 at St. John the Baptist Church for a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio as celebrant. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call on Friday from 12 to 1 at the Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St.
