Yonkers Matriarch Josephine Spano Passes at 89
The city of Yonkers lost a beloved community pillar this week with the death of Josephine Spano at the age of 89. Surrounded by her children, Josephine died peacefully at home on December 6th after a lifetime overflowing with love and devotion to family.
Early Life in Her Native City
Born in Yonkers on January 6, 1934, Josephine was a Commerce High School graduate who married her teenage sweetheart, Leonard Spano, shortly after turning 18 in 1952. As Leonard completed US Marine training in California before serving in Korea, loyal Josephine supported him every step of the way. Their all-consuming love only grew over 67 years of marriage.
Guiding Her Family with Unwavering Strength
Josephine and Leonard faced unimaginable grief when twin boys were tragically stillborn in 1953. After being told another pregnancy was unlikely, Josephine prayed relentlessly to St. Gerard. Soon the Spanos welcomed the first of 15 more children as their family blossomed.
Come holiday times, Josephine showered her brood with thoughtful gifts and joyful traditions. Yet her lasting presents came through instilling faith and bolstering them during challenges with her trademark resilience.
At the Center of Community Service
Beyond raising 16 kids, Josephine actively bettered Yonkers through years of charity work and organizations like the PTA and St. Ann Society. She spearheaded a vital lunch program at Sacred Heart, aided special needs students and volunteered constantly. Josephine simply believed in lifting up those around her.
Leaving a Boundless Legacy
Predeceased by two children, Josephine leaves behind 14 offspring: Sen. Nicholas, John, Maria Elena, Eleanore, Leonard Jr., Joanne, Rosemarie, Camille, Mayor Michael, Victoria, Anthony, Dolores, Loretta, Gerard, Joseph and City Clerk Vincent. She also leaves 42 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren whose lives she enormously impacted.
Her family recalls Josephine’s generosity, strength in hardship and hospitality in welcoming everyone as core to her legacy. The matriarch was the keystone holding the Spanos together; her absence leaves a vast void.
Mourning a Guiding Light
Indaughter Maria Elena’s words, Josephine represented the mom she’d have picked above all others thanks to her ever-present support and sincerity. Her passing elicits bottomless grief from not just immediate family but the legions of community members who benefited from Josephine’s giving spirit for almost nine decades.
The Spano home swells with visitors paying respects to a special soul who always put others first. Though irreplaceable, her legacy of faith and love persists in those she nurtured.
Funeral Arrangements Finalized
Public visitation will take place December 7-8 at Sinatra Funeral Home in Yonkers from 4-8pm both days. Josephine’s funeral is set for Saturday, December 9 at 8:45 am at St. Peter’s Church on Riverdale Avenue where the family shall bid farewell to their matriarch, guiding light and beloved angel. Josephine gave life to so many; even in death her memory lives on.
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