Josephine A. “Jo” Austin of The Villages, FL, formerly of Austin Court in Olean, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Sumter Place Assisted Living Facility following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving husband, family and close friends.
Jo was born on Oct. 2, 1938 in Olean, NY. She was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Scardarmaglia Giunta. On Sept. 10, 1960 she married her husband of 57 years, Lawrence Austin, Sr., who survives her.
Jo was a 1956 graduate of Olean High School. She worked as a secretary at Clark Brothers, now Dresser Rand. She opened Jo’s Hair Salon in her home and worked there for several years. She also worked as a secretary for the Olean City School District at Hillside Elementary in Seneca Heights. Jo owned and operated Austin’s Gift World and Bridal Shop and was also a local Executive Director for the March of Dimes. Throughout her life she volunteered for various organizations, including chairing the cake wheel at the St. Mary of the Angels church festivals.
Jo was a former parishioner of St. Mary of the Angel’s Parish. She enjoyed playing golf, mahjong, and baking cookies at Christmas time. Jo was extremely social and had a zest for life which included dancing whenever the opportunity arose. She loved people and always made sure everyone around her had a smile on their face.
Along with her loving husband, Jo is survived by; 2 children, Lawrence (Tracy) Austin, Jr. of Clermont, FL and Teresa (Thomas) Barie of Olean; 7 grandchildren, Kathryn Barie-Lindstrom, Matthew and Bradley Barie, Stephanie (Peter) Aloi, Nicholas, Daniel and Kendyl Austin; and 2 great grandchildren, Elena Barie and Jensen Lindstrom, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Jo was predeceased by an infant daughter; 3 siblings, Robert (Bonnie) Giunta, Anthony (June) Giunta, and Jeanette (Mario) Pascucci.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels on June 21, 2018 at 6 p.m.. The Rev. Gregory J. Dobson, Pastor, will celebrate. Burial will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery Allegany, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 202 S. Union St., Olean, NY 14760 or to Compassionate Care Hospice, 900 Main Street, Suite 208, The Villages, FL 32159.
