Josephine "Josy" (Savoca) O'Brien , S&F

ALBANY -- Josephine O'Brien passed away on March 28, 2021. Josy was born on August 23, 1929, in Albany, to the late Josephine (Lavenia) and Anthony Savoca.

Josy was predeceased by her devoted husband William F. O'Brien who thought Josy was the most precious of all gems; her best friend and sister, Carmela Savoca; and her beloved cousin Thomas Genovese. Josy is survived by her loving cousins, Antoinette Tomlin (Wil), Phillip Genovese (Nicole), Christina Mejias (Gilbert), Christian, Zachary, and Joseph Tomlin, Dante and Sydney Genovese, and Gabriel, Alexa and Valorey Mejias. In addition to many close cousins and friends.

Josy cherished growing up in a close-knit large Italian family, she loved her many close friends, and adored the many students she taught over the years. Josy attended Blessed Sacrament School, and Vincention Institute in Albany. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 1951, and then went on to get a master's degree in education from SUNY Oneonta. Josy loved teaching, and taught middle school English and social studies at Fort Crailo School in Rensselear for 20 years. She had a deep Catholic faith and shared this faith teaching religious education for 17 years at St. Francis de Sales Church in Loudonville. After retiring from teaching, Josy relished her second career as a caregiver. Gifted in helping and caring for others, Josy nurtured a loving home and family for those around her, her husband, her mother, her sister, her in-laws, and when her Aunt Veronica died suddenly, Josy helped to raise her four young cousins. Josy had a zest for life, a joy for all people, and most of all Josy loved to talk and to entertain in her home. Josy loved to travel, the opera, plays, reading, gardening and shopping. She was a member of the Ladies of Charity, and belonged to a Book Group, and Garden Club.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at the Teresian House for taking wonderful care of Josy during the final years of her life. Rest easy Josy, we know you are singing and dancing with the family in Heaven. Funeral services were at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave. (Father John Bradley Way), Albany, where her funeral Mass was celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery immediately followed the funeral Mass. Those wishing to remember Josephine O'Brien in a special way may send a contribution to Blessed Sacrament School, 605 Central Ave., Albany, NY, 12206 or the charity of your choice.

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