Josephine CuratoloPoughkeepsie, NY - Josephine Curatolo, 92, passed away on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at The Pines at Poughkeepsie. Jo was the eldest child of Lena Cavaretta Curatolo from Petilia Policastro, Italy and Salvatore Curatolo, from Marsala, Sicily. Her parents' families immigrated to Dante, Virginia to work at the Clinchfield Mines and pursue the American dream. Jo was born on July 26, 1924 in Dante and moved with her family to Poughkeepsie, New York in 1926 to be near family and for further opportunities. Jo was educated at Franklin School on Delafield Street and graduated from Poughkeepsie High School on Hamilton Street in 1942.After graduation Jo began a successful career as a secretary at IBM working at many of the Poughkeepsie locations, building wonderful friendships that would endure decades. She was recently remembered by a peer as "the go-to-person" when starting with the company and for her vibrant sense of humor. Jo's reputation included her stellar secretarial and organizational skills. A member of the Quarter Century Club, Jo retired from IBM in 1987. Jo was affectionately known as "Keenie" to her family and close friends, a nickname she earned while playing as a child in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church neighborhoods. Jo was loved by her family and made everyone the focus of her life. She will always be known for her pots of coffee and baked goods every evening in the winter and her iced tea, watermelon and corn on the cob in the summer. Jo created many memorable summer nights for family and friends when laughter ruled the evenings. They will not be forgotten.For decades Jo was recognized for her personal style and interests. She was an accomplished seamstress often making her own garments. Her sense of design extended to her holiday decorations and family dinners as well. Most of all, Jo was an avid traveler who enjoyed flying with Pan Am, TWA and American Express. She traversed the globe with close friend Mary Frank visiting over thirty destinations including multiple trips to Italy and Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, South America, Mexico, Northern Africa and the Middle East. She saw the wonders of the world and they became an essential part of who she was.Jo was devoted to her faith especially Our Lady of Lourdes. Many of her trips abroad were centered around holy destinations including Lourdes, Fatima, Rome, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. She was a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Poughkeepsie, New York. Josephine had a wide collection of rosaries and medals blessed by many popes which she shared with others. After her retirement Jo took an interest in neighborhood concerns and domestic travel including revisiting Dante Virginia, her place of birth. Jo was devoted to her family and is survived by her brother Thomas and sister-in-law Teresa of Poughkeepsie and her sister Victoria Platania of Bristol, Rhode Island; her nieces and nephews Antonia Platania and Thomas Mauro of Poughkeepsie, Thomas and Peggy Curatolo of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Victoria Curatolo and Bob Thomasson of South Boston, Virginia, Dr. Judith Platania of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, James and Lora Curatolo of Poughkeepsie, Lynne Curatolo and Ray Bartolucci of Poughkeepsie, Richard and Barbara Platania of Richmond, Virginia; many grand nieces and nephews including Nicholas Mauro, Dr. Cristina Mauro and Scott Hoffman, Samantha and Michael Platania, Andrew and Claire Witko, and Stephanie Witko, Raymond Bartolucci, Matthew, Christopher, Antonio and Rachel Curatolo, Isabel and Amanda Curatolo and a great niece, Kelsea Curatolo. Jo is also survived by her cousin Carol DiMarzio and Joseph Newman, their children Joseph, Charles, Michele, Suzanne and their families. In addition to her parents, Jo was pre-deceased by her brother James and his wife Dorothy Curatolo and her brother-in-law, Anthony Platania.The family is especially grateful to the Third Floor staff of the Pines at Poughkeepsie. This exceptional group of health and medical professionals have been caring for Jo for the last eight years. Jo loved her home at the Pines and was endeared by many who watched over her and nursed her with compassion especially during her last days particularly Heather, Kim, Shoquana, Kieran, Latoya, Kia, Tanya and Rose. Jo's family would also like to thank Dr. Nunziata Raschella for her special understanding and medical guidance over the years. Arrangements are under the direction of Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 218 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 with calling hours from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 31st. Wheelchair entrance and street level parking located off Vassar Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Thursday, June 1st at the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 11 Mt. Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Josephine's name to the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 11 Mt. Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions, online condolences or to send the family a sympathy card, please visit our web site at www.torsonememorial.com