Josephine Papio

Josephine Papio, 96, of South Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Residential Health Care Facility.

Born July 25, 1920, in Manhattan, Josephine was the daughter of Anthony and Madeline (Sousi) Cirrincione. After graduating from high school with honors, she began her career during WWII as a secretary at Montgomery Ward.

On May 24, 1943, in Manhattan, Josephine married her husband of 73 years, Alfonso Papio, who survives.

Josephine retired from the New York school system in 1981, where she worked for many years as a clerical assistant. She and her husband relocated to Plymouth in 1981. Josephine very much enjoyed volunteering as a visitor to area nursing homes with the Ladies of Charity, though she was often older than those whom she visited, something her grandchildren teased her about. A faithful friend, Josephine shared her warm, caring personality with many.

Her primary vocation was as a wife and mother and, ultimately, a grandmother and great-grandmother. It was those roles to which she gave her heart. Her husband and her children, grands and great-grands benefitted greatly from her loving care.

Josephine was also a communicant of the Church of St. Bartholomew.

In addition to her husband, Josephine is survived by her daughters Madeline Lacovara and her husband Philip, and Judy Mastracchio and her husband, Noel Teichman; ten grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A Memorial Mass for Josephine will be held at noon on April 1, 2017, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where the Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date. There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in Josephine’s memory made be made to Church of St. Bartholomew Capital Campaign Fund, 81 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.