Josephine Scipione Gimondo

ALBANY, NY – Josephine Scipione Gimondo, 93, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, July 23rd at Albany Medical Center. Born in Albany, she was the second daughter born to John and Philomena (Berghella) Memmo. Josephine graduated from Philip Schuyler High School in 1950. In September of 1950, Josephine married her first husband, Joseph Scipione. Their loving relationship produced two beautiful daughters, Jo-Ann and Judith. Both daughters, at some point, worked at their father’s stores in Albany, the Grand Cash Markets. Tragically, her first husband died in 1970 while on a family vacation in the Bahamas. Josephine was only 39, she calmly and bravely navigated the hurdles of assuring she and her daughters returned home safely. Josie, as she was often called by family and friends, lived for many years on Summit Ave in Albany and attended St. James Church (now St. Francis of Assisi). She later became a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church (now Mater Christi). After the passing of her first husband, Josie met James Gimondo in 1973. They married in 1976. Josie and Jim enjoyed 47 years of happiness before his passing in 2023. Josephine often said that she was truly blessed to have had two wonderful husbands in her lifetime. In her younger days, Josie enjoyed bowling. She bowled weekly at the Playdium for many years and once bowled a 609 triple of which she was very proud. Josie belonged to the Pat Aiezza Women’s Auxiliary and later the West Albany Italian Benevolent Society (WAIBS) Women’s Auxiliary. She and Jim enjoyed playing bocce and attending many parties and functions at “The Club” over the years. Josie and Jim’s house was the family hub. A beehive of activity with the comings and goings of children, grandchildren, friends, and other relatives. The most popular event was “Pizza Night at Gimondo’s” every Friday night. You never knew who might come walking thru the door. Other great times at Josephine’s were Halloween (the grave yard), Christmas Eve (7 fishes), Christmas breakfast, Yankees Opening Day cookout (she loved Jorge Posada), everyone’s birthday dinners, playing cards (UNO), and Scrabble. Josephine was predeceased by her first husband Joseph Scipione, her second husband James Gimondo, and by her sister Rose Maddalla. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Jo-Ann Strube and her husband, Ken; and Judith Smaldone and her husband, Phil; and her sister, Gloria Pacella. She will be forever missed by her grandchildren, Josey Lawson and her husband, Ryan; Joseph Strube and his wife, Ashley; Franklin Strube and his partner, Cristina; and Samantha Smaldone and her boyfriend, Mitch; and four loving great-grandchildren, Beatrice Lawson, Freya Shepherd-Strube, Everett Strube, and Leo Lawson. The family would like to thank Dr. Carmen Giuliano for his dedication and care of Josephine over the years. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Josephine’s family on Tuesday, July 30th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those wishing to remember Josephine in a special way may send a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, #2 Pine West Plaza, #202, Albany NY 12205.

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Josephine Scipione Gimondo

October 3, 1930 - July 23, 2024