Josephine 'josie' (desocia) Gilmartin

Josephine 'Josie' (DeSocia) Gilmartin, 90, of East Hartford, journeyed home to eternal rest on Wednesday (November 18, 2009), with her caring family by her side. Josie was the loving wife to the late Edward J. Gilmartin and the late John P. Rossi. Born in Syracuse, NY, on February 23, 1919, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Angeline (Germaine) DeSocia, she had been a resident of East Hartford since 1955. Josie was involved with food service her entire life and was employed by the Connecticut Natural Gas Company in Hartford in their cafeteria where she retired after 30 years of dedicated service. After working for CNG, she went to work for the Nardi Family Bakery in East Hartford where she was employed for 20 years and was known by everyone as 'The General'. In her free time, Josie loved to crochet and make afghans for many family members and friends. Josie was also an avid fan of the New York Yankees, but most of all, Josie loved being around and spending time with her beloved family. Along with her beloved husbands and parents; Josie was predeceased by a daughter and her husband; Maryann and James Meissner both of Enfield; two brothers, Joseph DeSocia and Nicholas DeSocia both of Syracuse, NY; two sisters, Elizabeth Weinheimer of East Hartford and Anne Lamanna of Liverpool, NY; and a special niece, Gloryann Weinheimer of East Hartford. Josie is survived by her devoted daughter, Patricia Granell and her husband, Robert, of East Hartford with whom she made her home; seven special grandchildren, Gina Gentile of East Hartford, Dino Gentile of East Hartford, Nicholas Granell of East Hartford and his fiancée, Emilia Capaccio of East Longmeadow, Christine Guilmette of Enfield, Laurene Burnham of Enfield, Karen Murren and her husband, Mark, of Pomfret, Joel Meissner and his wife, Stephanie, of West Suffield; ten adored great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Angelo, Alicia, Michael, Ryan, Kyle, Tyler, Abigail, Myles, and Peyton; five dear friends, Joan, Lucille, Teri, Theresa, and Gerry; several nieces, nephews, and former customers. Funeral services will be Saturday (November 21st), at 9:30 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Rd., East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel TODAY from 4-7 p.m. For any online expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.