Josephine (Gullo) Brancato's Obituary
Josephine (Gullo) Brancato, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on April 11, 2025.
She was born on February 19, 1923, in Linguaglossa, Sicily, to Giovanni and Angela (Pavone) Gullo. In late 1960, she emigrated to the US (Syracuse, NY) with her husband and two young daughters aboard the ocean liner, SS Christopher Columbus. After several years of very hard work, they were able to achieve the “American Dream” of buying a house on Syracuse’s Northside.
After her husband Rosario passed away in 1977, Josephine continued living in the family home independently until the age of 96. She then lived with and was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Rose and her family. She truly lived for her family. Her two daughters and her grandchildren were everything to her.
The unbelievable strength that Josephine showed throughout her life’s challenges is inspirational to her family and everyone around her. Moving to a foreign country, not speaking the language, being widowed at 53 years old and living to 102 years old is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Josephine worked at Learbury’s, Julius Resnick Pocketbook Factory, and was a retiree of Syracuse China. She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Linguaglossa Society of Saint Egidio Abate. In her spare time, she enjoyed her garden, watching game shows, soap operas, crime dramas and cooking for her family. She made the best artichokes and pasta and peas.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Rosario Brancato; her granddaughter, Sara Monnat; her two brothers and three sisters in Sicily.
Josephine is survived by two daughters, Rose (Mario) D’Imperio and Angela (James) Monnat; three grandchildren, Nicole D’Imperio, Michael D’Imperio and Emily Monnat; her sister, Antonietta Sgroi, in Argentina; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Josephine will be dearly missed by her grand dog, Doobie Jackson, who was her constant companion and protector.
A very special thanks to her compassionate and loving caregivers, Carmen Phillips and Sarah Blackwelder. Also, many thanks to Heather Palaphanh for her loving support.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9:15 – 10:15 A.M. at St. John the Baptist/Holy Trinity Church, Court St., Syracuse, followed by a funeral Mass in celebration of Josephine’s life at 10:30 A.M. in the church. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Woodlawn Cemetery.
No flowers please. Instead, please consider donating to the Sara Monnat Memorial Scholarship Fund at Fairport-Perinton Dollars for Scholars, Suite 198, 144 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, NY 14450.
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