Josephine A. Christiantelli

Josephine “Jo” A. Christiantelli, 94, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at Auburn Community Hospital.

Born in Oneida, NY, on June 20, 1931, she was the daughter and first of nine children of Frank and Angelina (Ignazzito) Tardibone. Josephine graduated from Auburn Central High School in 1949. She was the first employee of Auburn Leathercrafters and later worked for many years in the cafeteria at Cayuga Community College and with Auburn Party Rentals. She was a dedicated member of the Owasco Fire Department Auxiliary and a lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart Church.

Josephine’s greatest joy was her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and truly valued time spent together. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and was known for her Italian cookies, pizzelles, and homemade pasta sauce. For many years, she spent her winters in Florida, enjoying the sunshine and time by the ocean. Recently, she liked playing dominoes, cards, and other games with her dear friends at the Boyle Center.

Josephine is survived by her four children, Joanne Vivenzio, Patty (Bruce) Podolak, Nick (Sandi) Christiantelli, and Frank (Laura) Christiantelli; siblings, Mary Colvin, Michael Tardibone, Frances Sadusky, John (Denise) Tardibone, Angie Osterhout, and Joseph (Paula) Tardibone; sister-in-law, Jean; eight grandchildren, Mark, Marissa, Michael, Mitchell, Dalton, Luke, Emma, and Noah; seven beloved great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was predeceased by her children’s father, Joseph Christiantelli; son-in-law, Fred Vivenzio; siblings, Anthony Tardibone and Benny (Marilyn) Tardibone; sister-in-law, Ginny Tardibone; and brothers-in-law, Bob Colvin, Donald Osterhout, and Stanley Sadusky.

A calling hour for Josephine will be held on April 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in Sacred Heart Church, Auburn. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 AM with interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Rd, Auburn, NY 13021, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements are with White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., Auburn, NY. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine A. Christiantelli, please visit our floral store.