Josephine (Rea) Smith

Josephine Rea Smith "The Dancer," of Troy, N.Y., died August 6, 2024, at the age of 99, at Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home, due to Vascular Dementia.
Born May 24, 1925, to the late John and Josephine Cesta Rea. She is one of the last of the "Greatest Generation"
In the early 1940s, after her brother, Saverio John Rea, was killed in WWII, she enlisted in the Women's Army Corps. She served in Washington, DC, New Jersey and Delaware in the rank of Military Police.
Jo was a past member of the Italian Community Center in Troy.
She was a dancer from a young age and throughout her life. In the 1960s, she choreographed numerous shows for actor, comedian Jimmy Durante, when he entertained yearly in Troy. She was very well-known throughout the Capital District for her dancing prowess. Jo was an active senior citizen, giving rides to other seniors to local dances. Driving into her 90s was not a "big deal" to her, since, she had been driving since she was 15. Jo was a pet lover of all animals and would stop you on the street if she thought you were mistreating your pet.
In 2016, Mrs. Smith became the first woman in the history of the Troy Flag Day Parade to be the grand marshall of the parade.
Jo attended numerous veteran affairs locally with her son, the late John Ostwald. John also brought her to nursing homes as he played piano for the residents, and she entertained by dancing.
She was on the first patriotic veterans flight along with her son, to Washington, DC.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughter, "Cal" Carla (Mark) Schlesinger; grandchildren, Crystal Swinton (Kenneth), Nick Ostwald, Jackson Ostwald; cherished niece, Josephine Esposito (Michael Nicholas); daughter-in-law, Kyra TePaske (the late John Ostwald); and sister-in-law, Sally Zucaro.
Mrs. Smith was also predeceased by her husband, Warren Smith; sister, Catherine Esposito; stepfather, Pasquale Zucaro; stepbrothers, Marco Zucaro and Patrick Zucaro; stepsister, Jane Zucaro; and nephew, Patrick Esposito
The family would like to thank The Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home staff on B3 and B1, for their compassionate care given mom. A special thanks to Katie Valley, NP. Her dedication to all the residents she cares for is outstanding. Blessings to B1 activities aide, Kerri Palmer.
Many thanks to the doctors and ancillary staff at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center Hospital for the excellent care given to our mom throughout her life.
Private Funeral Service will be at the Bocketti Funeral home.
Mrs. Smith will be buried with Military Honors, in the Veterans Section at St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy, N.Y.
Donations may be made in Jo's memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, 12204, or the Animal Shelter of your choice.

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