Janice (Sciancalepre) Gittino's Obituary
Janice (Sciancalepre) Gittino, 76, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital on June 18, 2021. She follows her beloved husband Gerald (Gerry) Gittino of 54 years, who died on May 11, 2021.
Janice was the only child of Dan and Angie Sciancalepre. She grew up on the West Side of Syracuse and was a proud West Genesee High School Wildcat. She then attended CCBI, where she learned secretarial skills that later landed her jobs at a local law firm and General Motors.
While attending Mass at St. Brigid’s in Syracuse, Janice met her future husband and love of her life, Gerry. They were married at that same church, on Sept. 3, 1966. Janice and Gerry settled in North Syracuse and raised three children: daughter Geraldine “Geri” and sons, David (Deloris) and Stephen (Paola). She is also survived by three grandsons, Aaron, Ryan and Sebastian.
Janice was a full-time mother for 18 years: she truly enjoyed spending time with her family and could be heard cheering at every event her children participated in, from band concerts to soccer games. She was genuinely kind, caring, nurturing and comforting. She will be remembered for her hallmark phrase “not to worry” and for her infectious laugh. Family members often recount the wonderful holiday parties in the Gittino basement with Janice directing the festivities.
When her children were grown, she returned to the workforce as a “Kelly Girl” and eventually was assigned a post at Inland Plumbing Supply in Syracuse where she held various positions, including reception, accounting and inventory control. In her 20 years there, she made cherished lifelong friendships. A former co-worker echoed the sentiments of Janice’s family and friends: “The sweetest lady, who never had a bad word about anybody. She always saw the good in people.”
She was a long-time communicant and active participant at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Galeville, where she worked at various events, including the after-Mass coffee and doughnuts social and annual church picnic.
Janice and Gerry’s favorite family outings were their summer trips to Lake George. They spent several days at the great New York State Fair every year. After their children were grown, they enjoyed local jaunts together, visits to Florida to see their son and his family and a special trip Las Vegas. During that trip, they flew over and into the Grand Canyon by helicopter. A photo of the two of them standing proudly in front of the helicopter has hung in their garage for years.
Janice would love to be remembered by blasting Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” telling silly stories and dancing whenever you get the chance.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a contribution to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Janice's life at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Liverpool, NY. Family and friends may visit on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road (corner of Buckley Road) in North Syracuse.
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