Obituary of Josephine Ginnity

Josephine “Jo/Josie” “Giovampietro” Ginnity, 84 of Utica, NY, passed away on May 13, 2024, while visiting her son in Mcgaheysville, VA.

Jo was born in Utica, NY to Rocco and Maria (Romanelli) Giovampietro on August 17, 1939. She went to high school at Utica Catholic Academy High School and graduated in 1957. She was employed with the New York Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator for over 40 years. Known as the “Church Lady” she dedicated her life to serving others.  The family commented that she should have lived at the church because she spent so much time at Saint Marks Church.  She was the President, of the Alter Rosary Society, a Eucharistic Minister, a Pastoral Care Minister, a member of the Church Choir, and served on the church board.  She received a myriad of awards and commendations throughout the years for her charitable service.  Her personal greatest achievement was being awarded the prestigious Immaculata Award, for her devotion and service to her Parish.

In addition to serving the Church she was a passionate and dedicated volunteer, serving in a variety of ministries. She visited residents at nearly every Utica nursing home. Jo would attend funerals of people she didn’t even know, if the deceased had no family. She further served at the Hope House and many other churches and charities across the greater Utica area. She was an active member of the Telephone Company Pioneers and the Secular Franciscan of St Joseph Fraternity.

Jo is survived by her son John “Johnny” Ginnity of Las Vegas, NV.  A sister, Dolores Giordano (Utica). Her grandkids Jordyn (Berlin, GE), Savanah (Colorado Springs, CO), Jericho (Helena, MT) Joshuah (Mcgaheysville, VA) and Sierah (Staunton, VA).  Also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren, Siena and Camden Rodriguez (Colorado Springs, CO), and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. The family would like to acknowledge her dearest friends Kathleen Amrhein, Sosiana Mertz, Joe Madera, and many other amazing friends that touched her life.  She is preceded in death by her father Rocco, her mother Maria, her sisters and brothers-in law, Mary and Patrick Zinicola, Frances and Vincent Dacquino, and her special brother-in-law Peter Giordano, and her husband John.

Jo was so passionate about serving in any capacity needed, but her greatest joy was her family. When her great-grandchildren visited, she would love to take them to Chuck E. Cheese.  She occasionally was sited playing basketball arcade games and collected numerous prizes for the great grandchildren. Jo was so devoted to her family and friends she spent countless hours a day reaching out and talking to them on the telephone. 

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Jo’s closest friend, Sue Cieri (who Jo called her sister), who helped care for, and supported her for decades.  Jo should always be remembered for her kindness and unwavering selflessness in helping everyone in her path, she truly lived to serve others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday June 3, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Marks Church, 440 Keyes Road, Utica, NY. Burial will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Utica NY. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a visitation held at Heintz Funeral Service, Inc, 408 Herkimer Rd, Utica NY on  Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.