N. Jean Garofano

Jean (Cornell) Garofano, 91, of Westvale, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed on to her heavenly home in God’s presence on Tuesday September 7, surrounded by her loving family after a short illness.

From the very beginning of her life in Pittsburgh PA in 1930, and while spending her childhood summers on the family dairy farm in Blairsville, PA, Jean always set a strong example to her family and all who knew her of the importance of family in one’s life as well as personal determination – While beginning her early married life to her beloved Army Lieutenant husband Norman in 1952 while stationed in Paris France during the Korean War, Jean lived out and set in motion subsequently those desires and interests as a loving mom of three, grandmother of seven, and great grandmother of seven over the subsequent years – Her personal determination was most evident with her commitment of achieving a four year college education beginning at the age of 45 starting at OCC and finishing at SUNY at Utica before going on to a (20) year career with OCC in the Business Curriculum as an Instructor – Personal accomplishments aside, Jean’s family was the nucleus of her life as she made for a loving home but also while giving to so many others, particularly assisting elderly extended family and friends, and her refugee students at OCC with many practical needs and while providing a “listening ear” – Jean was a “lover of life”, the one to bring people together, especially around food in many local restaurants, and a faith filled servant that loved her Immanuel Methodist Church family and the many other Community Service Organizations she supported.

Jean was predeceased by her mother, Sally (nee Sarver) Reynolds; father, James Cornell; brother, Thomas Cornell; beloved daughter-in-law, Sheryl Rockcastle Garofano; and precious grandson, Nicky Garofano.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her husband of (68) years, Norman Garofano; son, Mark Garofano; son, Neel (Nancy) Garofano; daughter, Wendy Garofano; grandchildren, Amy Garofano, Elizabeth (Gabriel) Deng, Rebecca (Patrick Fitzsimmons) Garofano, Jeffery (Morenike Fajana) Garofano, Eric (Katherine Depardieu) Garofano, Sam Garofano; great grandchildren, Ellyana Deng, Kiir Deng, Awut Deng, Amos Garofano, Rocco Fitzsimmons, Akook Deng, Ajok Deng; sister, Martha Overmier and several nieces and nephews.

A private Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

Contributions can be sent to: Immanuel Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Road, Camillus NY 13031 and designated towards the Memorial Fund.