Josephine “Josie” Vaccarello Stankay, of 180 Elizabeth Street, Landisville, PA, formerly of Waterford and Erie, PA, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on August 15, 2011 after a brief but serious illness. Born August 6, 1926 in McKean, PA, she was the daughter of the late Dominick and Rose Vaccarello.

Stankay, Josephine (Josie) VaccarelloJosie was a hairdresser and owned her own beauty salon for many years. In 1971 she married the late Steve Stankay of Waterford, PA. She was a member of All Saints Parish in Waterford for many years; she was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and was professed on April 25, 1995; and she belonged to the Fraternity of the Canticles of the Son of Waterford. In 2010, she relocated to Landisville, PA to be near her son and daughter-in-law.

Josie was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. Survivors include her son Dennis J. Fitzsimmons and daughter-in-law Shirley of Manheim, PA; two sisters, Anna Dominick of Lakewood, NY and Rose Staab (John) of Erie, PA; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends and the “Gang”. She was well-known and loved in the community of Waterford for her friendly, generous, and outspoken nature.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial mass at All Saints Church in Waterford on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Thomas Whitman officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow. Burial will be private at Waterford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie, PA.