Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini

Josephine Ciancaglini

Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini – 87 – of Rural Ave., North Hornell, passed away Saturday morning (November 20, 2021) at St. James Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on June 24, 1934, she was the daughter of John & Gilda (Silvino) Ciancaglini.

Josie grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1952).  She was a 1956 graduate of Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA where she majored in English Literature and French.  She later received her Master’s Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University.

For 33 years, Josie served as 9th grade English Teacher at the former Hornell Junior High School and later at the Hornell High School.  For many years she was active in and served as director of the Hornell High School plays and musical productions and was a mentor to Hornell’s own, Bill Pullman.

Josie was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  Throughout the years, she had been a member of several organizations such as Catholic Daughters of America, Ladies of Columbus, the Fortnightly Book Club, and was a life member of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Carducci Lodge Son’s of Italy.  Josie served as president of the St. Ann’s Parish Council and for many years was a Religious Education Instructor.  She had also been a Board Member of the Hornell Library, the Steuben Senior Services Fund (SSSF), a member of the Hornell City Planning board and received numerous awards for her leadership on Hornell High School Building Teams.

She was a member and past Co-President of the Beato Angelo Society and was very passionate about him becoming a saint.  Josie had a deep devotion to Beato Angelo who was from Furci, Italy where she and a large group of Hornellians had descendants who immigrated to Hornell.

An extremely charitable woman, Josie gave of  herself and donated to many charities throughout the years.   She devoted countless hours of her time as a volunteer at the Aquinas Gift Shop of St. James Mercy Hospital, the Hornell American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, Faith in Action, driving people to their medical appointments.

She loved to travel and on two occasions, visited Rome, Italy.  Josie also enjoyed traveling to professional shows and musical productions in New York City (Broadway), Chautauqua Institute, the Stratford Ontario Theater.  Because of her “Love of the Arts”, Josie served as President of the Hornell Arts Council and actually received the “Key to the City” of Hornell from then Mayor Shawn Hogan in recognition of her exceptional service to the Arts.

A true “Sports Fan”, Josie enjoyed rooting for her favorite sports teams such as the Buffalo Bills and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  She especially loved attending and cheering for her great-nephews, Adam & Austin; great-nieces, Andrea & Jessica.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Augie Ciancaglini.

Surviving are 2 nieces, Mary K. (Joe) Dwyer of Arkport and JoAnn (Shane) McMahon of Almond; 2 nephews, James “Jim” Ciancaglini of Hornell and Michael Ciancaglini of Hornell;  2 great-nephews, Adam Dwyer of Arkport and Austin Dwyer of Rochester; 2 great-nieces, Andrea McMahon & Jessica McMahon, both of Almond; her cousin, Mary Jo Colomarino (Dave) Jacobs and their daughter, Linda (Mike) DeCocq & son, David, all of Rochester; her childhood friend, Mary Theresa Moretti Purtell; along with countless friends throughout the Hornell Community and several relatives in Furci, Italy.  Josie will especially be missed by the Doran family (Mary Margaret, Brendan, Brian, Fr. James OSB, Maura & Andrew) and the Mickey & Bill Smith family (Neale, Hildreth, Bobby & Mark) who she considered her “Surrogate Families”.

The family of Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini will receive friends on Monday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Josie’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the National Parkinson Foundation, PO Box 23204, Rochester, NY  14692 or the Hornell Alumni Association, PO Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or toSt. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843.

6 Responses to “Josephine “Josie” Ciancaglini”

  1. Christopher Nogaro says:

    I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Josie many years ago at a Beato Angelo Celebration. I traveled with my family from Buffalo to attend the dinner with our cousins, Joanne, Lenny and Kathy Caruso and their uncle Angelo and aunt Joanne Daniels. Josie graciously welcomed us and was thrilled to learn that I hosted an annual Beato Angelo party in Buffalo for our paisans from Furci. Josie made a point of attending a few of my parties with her fellow Hornellians.

    I am sad to learn that Josie has left us. All good things–and all good people–must come to an end. After reading this obituary, it is easy to see that this good person, Josie, did many good things for her students, her friends and her beloved Hornell community.

    God bless Josie and may her soul Rest In Peace. I am honored to have known her. Viva Beato Angelo da Furci!

  2. Tom Drumm says:

    I was so sorry to hear of Josie’s passing. She was a true inspiration to any Hornell High School students who were lucky to have her as teacher. We remained friends long after High School and I’ve always considered her to be a wonderful mentor throughout the years. My thoughts and Prayers go out to her family on this loss, but she will always remain her Our hearts forever.

    RIP Dear Josie, you are now among the Angels.

    Tom

  3. Dorina Nardecchia Kelsey says:

    I am so sorry to learn of Josie’s passing. I grew up across the street for her and she was not only a great neighbor but a wonderful Freshman English Teacher. Thank you, Josie, for teaching me the love of reading and the love of the Classics. You are loved and will be missed.

    Dorina Nardecchia Kelsey

  4. Connie Whitman Roselli says:

    I was saddened to hear of Josie’s passing. She was my English reacher many years ago. She was also known to me outside of that realm. She inspired so many of the Hornell “kids” through various functions and passions. I send my condolences and prayers.

  5. Jill Roselli says:

    Josie gave so much of herself to others. Whether it be her own family and friends or perfect strangers, her heart was Big and her generosity and compassion unsurpassed. She will be deeply missed by all of us who were blessed by knowing her. Because of how she lived her life, those of us left behind can find comfort in knowing that she is with her Lord and loved ones that went before her, there to greet her with open arms. Rest in Peace, Josie, until we all meet again.

  6. Monica Glick says:

    I am just hearing about this. I am so sad to hear. She was just a wonderful woman. She came to visit a lady here where I work everyday and we got close. I missed seeing her around after the resident passed away. You will be missed Jo. My heart is breaking. I wish I had known sooner. Prayers for the family.