Obituary of Josephine Santandrea

Colonie - Josephine “Jo” Santandrea peacefully entered Eternal Life on December 25, 2021, in her family home, where she was born on April 16, 1926. What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas! 

Jo was a lifelong resident of the Town of Colonie, and daughter of the late Nunzio and Catalda (Castano) Santandrea.  As the youngest of seven children, Jo was pre-deceased by Daniel (Liz), Vincent, Ben (Theresa) Santandrea, Lucy (Vincent) Garufi, Millie (Peter) Miele, Mary (Doc) Szomjassy; her nephews, Daniel (Teresa) Santandrea, Vincent Garufi; niece Geraldine VanOrnum.

Jo is survived by nephews, Anthony, Bernie (Pat) Santandrea, Michael (Elaine) and Joseph Szomjassy; niece, Diane (Jerry) Forenzo. Jo is also survived by generations of nieces, nephews and cousins.

After graduating from Roessleville High School, Jo worked side by side with her brothers in their West Albany family business, Dan’s Mason Supply. She managed the office, kept the books and was a friendly face to the many local contractors in the Capital District.  She was active her church, in the community and enjoyed any opportunity she had to socialize with family and friends. As a younger woman, her first love was bowling.  During the late 50’s/early 60’s, she was featured on TV Tournament Time, and after an extended run of wins, she was dubbed the “Bowling Empress” by the local bowling community.

After hanging up her bowling shoes, she joined the Capitland Chorus Sweet Adelines. She had the opportunity to travel the world singing and making lifelong, treasured friendships. 

In retirement, Jo volunteered in various organizations, including the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society, as well as her beloved Ronald McDonald House. She served in the hospitality room at Albany Medical Center, where she shared her smile and positive attitude.

As a single woman, her top priority was her family, which spans many generations of nieces and nephews, and extends across the country. She was always present for every important event and was often the “Life of the party”.

No matter how her health changed, she never lost her zest for life. She had a desire to live her life to the fullest and never had a bad word toward anyone.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice, especially Marita, Joy and Mary Kay. Thank you also to the amazing caregivers she has had over the past 3 years, especially Barbara Simmons, who has became an honorary family member.

If interested, you are invited to make a donation, in Jo's memory, to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12208.

Relatives and friends are welcome to visit Jo’s family on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 9 - 11 a.m. at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Dr., Loudonville.  Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at the church, followed by interment in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie.