Obituary of Josephine Ann Fioretti Todaro

Saratoga Springs, NY – Josephine Ann Fioretti Todaro passed peacefully at the home of a friend, while under the care of Hospice, after a nine month journey with cancer.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 15, 1951, to Agnes Falanco and Francesco L’Ongello Fioretti, Josephine was for her entire life a champion for the human, always looking out for the welfare and rights of others.

Raised in the Bronx, she graduated from Aquinas High School in 1969 and went on to receive a BA from SUNY New Paltz. On August 17th, 1977 she married the love of her life, James V. Todaro, and when he died, she never wanted anyone else.

Her father was a professional chef, her family owned a restaurant, and she was raised in the business. She was both a gourmand and gourmet, an accomplished chef in her own right, and no one ever turned down an offer of her culinary skills. No matter where Jo was, she always knew the best places to dine.

Jo was a master of building community and was an integral part of building a sense of connectedness and belonging in her neighborhood, always willing to help her neighbors. Referred to as “Our Jo”, they already miss her terribly. She volunteered countless hours planning fundraising events for various charities. She received a citation for her volunteer work during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping people to get vaccinated, despite the risks to herself.

Jo appreciated sports and ballet. She loved coaching softball and her team once won the NYS championships. Jo loved tennis and attended many professional tennis matches, and she loved women’s basketball. She enjoyed attending the NYC ballet as well as shows at Lincoln Center.

When it came to her work serving people and families affected by disabilities, Jo was a force to be reckoned with. Jo was the “advocate’s advocate”; fierce and passionate about protecting and promoting their rights, and procuring for them the services they needed to be their best and highest selves. She was highly regarded by service providers and professional colleagues. Jo's last place of employment was at the New York Association On Independent Living where she developed and supervised the Good Neighbor program.

Jo took a number of trips and cruises, often with her daughter, Teresa, as she loved to travel. Provincetown on “The Cape” was her very favorite destination. She was planning a month-long trip to Italy when she became ill.

Jo is survived by her daughter Teresa, to whom she provided a wonderful life, as well as two nieces and a nephew. Family was very important to her and she was always willing to provide support. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Frances (Fran).

Deepest appreciation to Community Hospice of Saratoga & Washington Counties for their care and compassion for Jo in her final days. Her private caregivers were second to none. A special thank you to Hannah Tefft, RN, who cared for Jo like she was her own family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00AM, on July 2nd , at St. Mary of the Snow, 38 Cedar Street, in Saugerties, NY with internment directly after in the St. Mary of the Snow Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a “Coffee and Cannoli” reception following internment at St. Joseph church, 38 Glasco Turnpike, Glasco, NY. Please bring a remembrance to share of how Jo helped to make the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New York Association On Independent Living , 155 Washington Avenue, Suite 208 Albany, NY 12210, Resource Center for Independent Living, 727 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, or Community Hospice of Saratoga & Washington Counties, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866