Josephine York

Born Josephine Jean Galanty in Brooklyn, NY, to Polish immigrants Anthony and Julia (Slivonik) Galanty in 1928, Josephine married Edward York in 1948. They were married at St. John's Cantius Roman Catholic Church, where she had been baptized years earlier. Josephine and Edward began their married life in a row home on Vermont Avenue in Brooklyn. While living in Brooklyn, they were blessed with three children Edward, Gary, and Christine. They moved out of Brooklyn to a lovely Cape Cod home in Lynbrook in 1960, and 10 years later were blessed with the gift of their daughter Maria. Josephine lived here until passing peacefully on the morning of April 12, 2019.
Josie or Jo York, as she was commonly called, outlived her beloved husband Ed, as well as her bright and happy daughter Christine who succumbed to childhood leukemia at age 10. Christine was the spitting image of her father who died 10 years after her in 1978. Josie's four sisters, Stella, Sophie, Annie and Mary, also predeceased her.
She is survived by her sons, Edward York (Maryellen) of Inwood, WV, and Gary York (Lillian) of Lynbrook, NY, and daughter Maria Saville (James) of Massapequa, NY. She is also survived by five grand children Sarah Cait and Autumn York, and Amanda, Jennifer, and James Saville. She has one brother, Charlie Galanty, still living.
In 1947, Josephine began working as a saleswoman in stainless steel at the original Fortunoff's in Brooklyn, later moving to the Westbury, Long Island, store until its closing. She knew Alan Fortunoff personally for over the 50 odd years that she worked for his company. She always dressed up and was well put together, which reflected her great pride in working for the Fortunoff family.
A hard worker, Josie balanced her work and family life. She knew how to be persistent and serious in pursuit of a sale and to laugh and laugh loudly especially at a scene in a movie (much to the chagrin of her children). She knew how to be a loving and strong mother, as well as a caring and loyal friend. Her wisdom and patience to endure the many hardships in her life were borne of a solid faith in God.
She was a longtime member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Lynbrook, NY, and enjoyed serving for years the many people at the parish's Thrift Shop. In addition, she spent many a Wednesday and Friday with the local Seniors who gathered at the Senior Center at Greis Park, playing cards, talking and relishing life.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in her name to Our Lady of Peace Parish Social Ministry in Lynbrook.