Obituary for Josephine L. Laiacona (Caruso)
Newtonville – Josephine L. “Joey” Laiacona, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 4, 2021 surrounded by her adoring family. Born in Troy, NY on September 11, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Rafaella Caruso.
Joey grew up in Troy and was a 1946 graduate of Catholic Central where she was a proud member of the CHAMPS equestrian team. A year after graduation she married the love of her life, Frank J. Laiacona, Sr. and together they shared 61 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.
Joey and Frank loved to travel the world together, visiting places like the Caribbean, England, Poland, Ireland, Canada, and Las Vegas. She was proud of her Italian heritage and also took a total of 7 trips to Italy. Locally, she enjoyed daytrip picnics with her family, trips to the Saratoga Racino, which she also referred to as her “happy place,” to play her favorite slot machine, “Locking Hearts” and more recently, to Rivers Casino. Joey also loved the game of golf. She was a longtime member of the Northeastern Women’s Golf Association and a member at Pinehaven Country Club since 1979, where she got a hole-in-one on the 14th hole. On her 90th birthday, the other members at Pinehaven threw her a surprise golf tournament and coined it, “Joey’s Jug.” She also loved to bake for her family and was famous for her many types of delicious pies and Italian cooking.
Joey is survived by her 3 children: F. John Laiacona, Jr. of Columbus, OH, Christine L. (Richard) Gangemi of Loudonville, and David A. Laiacona of Colonie, her grandson Ryan (Leslie) Gangemi of Menands, her adored great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and William Gangemi, by which she was affectionately called “Grandmama,” and her nieces and nephews: Geri-Ann Laiacona, James Laiacona, and Mary DeChiro, and by many other family members, friends, and golf partners. Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sisters: Mary “Mimi” (Joseph) Fannucci, Angela (Michael) Laiacona, and Philomena (Michael) DeChiro, and by her nieces, Patricia Laiacona and Raffaela DeChiro.
A visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 from 4 until 7 PM at Bowen and Parker Bros. Funeral Home, Latham. If you plan on being in attendance, please wear a mask. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 12 noon at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Latham, with interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy. Those who wish to remember Joey in a special way may consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.
Joey grew up in Troy and was a 1946 graduate of Catholic Central where she was a proud member of the CHAMPS equestrian team. A year after graduation she married the love of her life, Frank J. Laiacona, Sr. and together they shared 61 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.
Joey and Frank loved to travel the world together, visiting places like the Caribbean, England, Poland, Ireland, Canada, and Las Vegas. She was proud of her Italian heritage and also took a total of 7 trips to Italy. Locally, she enjoyed daytrip picnics with her family, trips to the Saratoga Racino, which she also referred to as her “happy place,” to play her favorite slot machine, “Locking Hearts” and more recently, to Rivers Casino. Joey also loved the game of golf. She was a longtime member of the Northeastern Women’s Golf Association and a member at Pinehaven Country Club since 1979, where she got a hole-in-one on the 14th hole. On her 90th birthday, the other members at Pinehaven threw her a surprise golf tournament and coined it, “Joey’s Jug.” She also loved to bake for her family and was famous for her many types of delicious pies and Italian cooking.
Joey is survived by her 3 children: F. John Laiacona, Jr. of Columbus, OH, Christine L. (Richard) Gangemi of Loudonville, and David A. Laiacona of Colonie, her grandson Ryan (Leslie) Gangemi of Menands, her adored great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and William Gangemi, by which she was affectionately called “Grandmama,” and her nieces and nephews: Geri-Ann Laiacona, James Laiacona, and Mary DeChiro, and by many other family members, friends, and golf partners. Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sisters: Mary “Mimi” (Joseph) Fannucci, Angela (Michael) Laiacona, and Philomena (Michael) DeChiro, and by her nieces, Patricia Laiacona and Raffaela DeChiro.
A visitation will be held Monday, June 7, 2021 from 4 until 7 PM at Bowen and Parker Bros. Funeral Home, Latham. If you plan on being in attendance, please wear a mask. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 12 noon at Our Lady of Assumption Church, Latham, with interment to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Troy. Those who wish to remember Joey in a special way may consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.