Josephine Longo Vescera, of Utica, died on Sunday, January 10, 2021. Josephine was born on July 23, 1923, in Utica, to Frank and Antonina "Lena" Giglio Longo. She graduated from Proctor High School and Utica College with a B.A. in Social Studies. She also studied at Rider College in Trenton, NJ; SUNY at Cortland and Potsdam; Syracuse University and Columbia University. Mrs. Vescera received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, India and traveled extensively throughout that country. Mrs. Vescera was a schoolteacher and taught at Poland Central School and the Utica City School District, from which she retired. Josephine was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. At one time, she was married to Ignatius Vescera. Her affiliations have included: Utica Teachers' Association, NYS United Teachers, Utica Area Retired Teachers' Association, Vietnam Educational Council, American Association of University Women, Neighborhood Action Group, YWCA, National Organization for Women, Animal Protection League, Humane Society, Friends of the Utica Public Library and Senior Day Center. Josephine is survived by two sons, Francis X. Vescera and his wife Gloria and Christopher C. Vescera and his partner Linda Iannone. Also her beloved grandchildren, Kristen of Richmond, VA, Matthew and his wife Shannon and their daughter Camilla of Frankfort, Rebecca of Austin, TX, Benjamin and his wife Jillian of NYC and James and his daughters Isabella and Madaline of Watertown. She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Mariano Longo, who was affectionately called "Happy"; and sisters, Anna Lebert, Mary Inserra and Santina Piazza. In keeping with the family's wishes, services will be held privately. The family wishes to thank the nursing staffs at St. Elizabeth's and St. Luke's Hospitals for their care and compassion during Josephine's illness. Donations in memory of Josephine may be made to: The Neighborhood Center, Inc., Utica, NY; Utica College, Utica, NY or the Stevens Swan Humane Society, Utica, NY. Arrangements are with Mark C. Bentz Funeral service, Inc., New Hartford, NY. To express sympathy, please visit bentzfuneralhomes.com