Gioia Ottaviano

January 12, 1924 - July 7, 2018

SCHENECTADY- Gioia Ottaviano, 94, entered peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Gioia was born in Schenectady on January 12, 1924, a daughter of Nicandro and Amelia Dente Ottaviano. She graduated from Nott Terrace High School, class of 1942; Buffalo State Teachers College in 1946 and received her Master’s degree from Albany State. Gioia taught school and was a School Librarian in Schenectady Schools for 40 years. She was an intellectual titan, and profoundly empathetic, kind and generous. Her thirst for knowledge led to a ravenous consumption of books, forever feeding her imagination and deepening her understanding of the world. Gioia had an open mind, and a love for humanity. She was a teacher and forever a student. She participated in many civil and cultural organizations, including Schenectady Light Opera; Schenectady Civic Players and was a Schenectady Patroon. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony’s Church; former Trustee and a 70 year member of the Sacred Heart League. Her legacy is one of love and compassion: of striving and achievement; of knowledge and understanding; but most of all, of family. She was an unforgettable woman and we will always cherish her memory. Gioia was predeceased by her brothers, Orazio ‘Buddy’ Ottaviano, Peter Ottaviano and sister-in-law Marie DeLissio Ottaviano. She is survived by her loving brother, Nicandro ‘Nick’ Ottaviano; loving nieces and nephew, Dana Ottaviano, Nicole Verra, Marcha McFadden and Paul Ottaviano; several great nieces and nephews. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday at St. Anthony’s Church, 331 Seward Place. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Gioia’s memory to Restoration of St. Anthony’s Church; or Proctor’s, in care of the funeral home.