ALBANY – Josephine Oddo Giuliano, 101, passed into eternal life on Sunday, November 14, 2021 after a brief illness surrounded by her loving children who cherished and adored her. Josephine was born Giuseppina Oddo in the town of Roccella Valdemone, Province of Messina, Sicily, Italy on July 1, 1920. She was the beloved daughter of the late Carmelo Oddo and Rosa LaFornana Oddo. On December 24, 1958, she arrived with her four children to rejoin her husband Alfio who had arrived in Albany, NY to prepare a place for the family three years earlier. Soon after her arrival in Albany, she was employed at the local Shirt Factory and subsequently as a seamstress for many years at Whitney’s Department Store in downtown Albany. Josephine’s primary focus was always her family – cooking their favorite foods, cautioning them against harm, and lecturing them to do the right thing. Last year she celebrated her milestone 100th birthday surrounded by her family at the Franklin Plaza rooftop banquet hall in Troy, NY.
Josephine was predeceased by her husband Alfio in 1982. She was the beloved mother of Angelina Raso (the late Salvatore), Paul Giuliano (Louise), Rose Giuliano, and Carmen Giuliano, M.D. She is also survived by her loving sister Lorenza Oddo Spitaleri; her brothers Giuseppe Oddo (Sarina) and Salvatore Oddo (Anna Maria); her adoring grandchildren Franco Raso (Courtney), Alfio Giuliano, Teresa Raso, and Mark Giuliano (Kelly). She was predeceased by her sister-in-law Francesca Giuliano Lombardo. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and cousins. She enjoyed so much her trip to Italy in 1994 to visit her brothers and sister; being together with her family, who loved her so much; and talking to her close friends of many years. She had the special gift of making everyone feel special. She had a passion for sewing and crocheting, cooking and gardening. Words cannot express the precious and unforgettable memories she leaves behind. Her family meant the “World” to her as she did to her family.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 9:00 a.m., and from there to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Eagle Street at Madison Avenue, Albany at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. During the current pandemic surge, it is highly recommended that every attendee please wear a face mask. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of one’s choice. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Brian Murphy
So sorry for your loss.
Santino Pavone
Our deepest condolences to the Giuliano family.
Santino and Irene Pavone
Carol Lasky
To Frank and Courtney Raso and all the family,
Deepest respect and condolences as you remember a woman who clearly was loved by all and stood strong the test of time. Such a beautiful photo. May she rest peacefully in the loving company of God, her long deceased husband, and all those she loved who have gone before her. Prayers to you all as you gather to celebrate a long life and well lived.
Martha Santore
Dr. Giuliano, Tom and I are so sorry to hear of your mom passing. We will hold you and your family in our prayers. May she RIP.
Alicia Constantino
I want to offer our sincere sympathy at this time.Our prayers are with you and your family in these sad moments,the loss of a parent is never easy. You can be very proud of her memories.
Phyllis
To Paul and Louise,
Just reading about your wonderful mom’s passing!She has a beautiful face and I’m sorry to have not had the pleasure of meeting her.My grandmother was also 101 when she died.Your mom’s legacy of caring and sharing certainly lives on in you,Paul!!!Louise,I’m sorry for your loss as well.Always tougher during a holiday season!!
God bless her and all of your family.Can you imagine that wonderful Italian Celebration in her entry to heaven.Remembering you in my prayers!!
Paul J Audi
Carmen, sincerest and deepest condolences to you and your family
Bob & Katie (Salerno) Cunningham
Dr. Giuliano,
so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Sending prayers to you & your family.
Jackie Uliva Tenney
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My Mom worked with her at Whitneys for many years. I often made visits to their work room. And I heard about Josephine and the others many nights at the dinner table. It has been a long time since then ! I am happy that Josephine had such a long life and wonderful family!
Lorraine and Russell Dubuc
How blessed you are to have had so many years with so wonderful a mother! Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May every blessing be yours.
Marie Beck
Carmen,
I just heard about your mom. I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you know she is moving on with her life in a beautiful place with Jesus. She will be rewarded now with great joy and reunions with many loved ones. May God bless you with his peace.
Al Cardillo
Dear Dr. Giuliano – I was so very, very sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I just learned of it this Tuesday eve of Thanksgiving. My heart and my family’s prayers are with you, your mother and family. Her life as so beautifully reflected in your writeup of her was a celebration of priorities most meaningful and sacred, especially her love of family. How always wonderful it has been to hear your updates about her in such loving descriptions that you have given whenever I have seen you. May you and your family continue to be surrounded by your mother’s beautiful spirit and the great love and life that you’ve shared between you. Un grande abbrraccio to you, Dr. Giuliano, such a great and wonderful person and physician. Pace e Dio ti benedica sempre.