Josephine Giuliano

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 100^th 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.