Josephine Rosalina Cellupica

Josephine Rosalina Cellupica, 87, passed away on Saturday, October 22nd, peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones.
Josephine, affectionately known as "Roe" to her family and friends, was born on May 27th, 1935, the daughter of the late Angelo Ruzza and Maria Gabriele-Ruzza. She graduated from Nott Terrace High School in 1954 and went on to work in the custodial department for the State of New York, retiring after 25 years of service. After retirement, Roe remained active throughout the years, playing an integral part in helping raise her beloved grandchildren, where she frequently participated in chaperoning school events and being the "go-for", running here or there to ensure their needs were always fulfilled. She was a kind and loving soul who knew no bounds when it came to helping her family, who meant everything to her. Roe was an avid lover of coffee, all things peanut butter and coconut, the New York Yankees, her four-legged companions (Luigi, Kleo, & Jemma), and lottery scratch-offs, where her dream of "hitting the big one" never wavered. She always looked forward to her weekly phone conversations with her best friends, Dolores and Jerry Van Noske, who she loved and cherished dearly. Roe always found joy in the simple things in life, frequently finding something to laugh and smile about, even through the most trying of times. She leaves behind a lifetime of imperishable memories and will continue to be spoken into existence as her legacy continues on.
Roe was predeceased by her parents; brother, Larry Ruzzo, and sister, Nancy Pantano, who she missed so much over the years.
Roe is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Frank Cellupica; devoted children, Tina Sharifipour, Dane and Mecha Cellupica of Schenectady; adoring grandchildren Sofia (Sean) Donovan and Sarah (Tom) Stockwell of Schenectady, and great-grandson Rowan Stockwell, who she loved immensely; loyal siblings, Richard Ruzza of Scotia and Renato and Donna Cellupica of Guilderland; caring nephew and nieces Dario and Susan Pantano, Andrea Gizzi and Andrea Santabarbara; as well as her great nephews and niece, Matthew, Ryan, and Ruby Pantano.
A special, heartfelt thank you to daughter-in-law, Mecha Cellupica, for taking such good care of Mom throughout the course of her illness and during her final days. Your kindness and steadfast loyalty meant the world not only to her, but the whole family as well.
Our family would also like to thank Laura and Peter of Community Hospice of Schenectady for their dedication and catering to Roe's every need, which never went unnoticed.
Services will be held on Thursday at 1 pm at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home, 501 Union Street (at N. Jay) with interment to follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Glenville.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home on Thursday from 11 am-1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roe's memory to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society or St. Jude's.