Josephine D. Sgambati

GIRARD – Josephine D. Sgambati, 96, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles, surrounded by her family, following a long and fulfilling life.

Josephine was born Jan. 11, 1920, in Saratoga, New York, a daughter of the late Antonio and Rose Colapietro Vesco, and came to this area with her family as a child.

She worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at U.S. Steel during World War II, and later worked at General Electric in Niles.

Mrs. Sgambati was a member of St. Rose Church in Girard. She was a member of the Mt. Carmel Society and was a former vice-president of the Catholic War Veterans, Paul Sgmabati Post, No. 1903. Josephine was also a Gold Star Mother.

Josephine greatly enjoyed playing bingo, going to casinos, and playing cards. She also loved to crochet and make ceramics.

Josephine loved travel and she visited many countries throughout Europe, and also traveled to both Alaska and Hawaii. Mrs. Sgambati enjoyed the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Sgambati leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Rosemarie (Rocco) Parillo of Girard and Patricia (Robert) Ipe of Akron; five grandchildren, Mary Jo Parillo-Orsini of Girard, Tina (Carl) Culp of Girard, Joseph (Lucia) Parillo of Boardman, Erich (Kellee) Ipe of Cuyahoga Falls, and Jonathan (Rachel) Ipe of Adairsville, Ga.; 12 great-grandchildren, Rosemarie (Justin) White-Lowther, Anthony Orsini, David (Megan) Culp, Theresa Culp, Maria (Ryan) Hancock, Angela Parillo, Jessica Parillo, Owen Ipe, Natalie Ipe, Isabella Ipe, Colten Ipe, and Amilia Rae Ipe; a great-great-granddaughter, Gwendolyn Lowther; and three sisters, Mary Sentich, Helen Hoza, and Barbara (Robert) Kuzman, all of Girard.

Her husband, Floyd A. Sgambati, who she married July 21, 1937, passed away July 6, 1973. Besides her husband, a son, Paul Sgambati; two brothers, Jack and James Vesco; two sisters, Catherine Secola and Carmel Mikulich; and a sister-in-law, Theresa DeMartino, preceded Josephine in death.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at the funeral home and will continue with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard, by the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw. 

Interment will follow at Girard Union Cemetery, where Josephine will be laid to rest next to her husband.

In lieu of flowers, Josephine’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Emmanuel Center, 2 N. State St., Girard, Ohio 44420

Josephine’s family would like to thank the staff at Shepherd of the Valley in Niles as well as the staff of Hospice of the Valley, for the kindness shown and care given to Josephine and her family.