Amelia Amy R. Sposato 1931-2024

Amy was born March 7, 1931, in Youngstown, the daughter of Magdalene Vergalitte Sciavone and Valerio J. Schiavone.

She attended Youngstown City Schools and graduated from East High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown State University and a master’s degree in education from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. Additionally, she obtained a master’s degree in curriculum and completed over 45 hours of graduate coursework at YSU. She also pursued further education at Kent State University.

She taught in the Youngstown School System for many years before retiring in 1996. Even after her retirement, she maintained close friendships with many of her fellow teachers.

Amy was honored with the prestigious Martha Jennings Holder Scholarship Award for her excellence in teaching. She was also nominated for teacher of the year by Principal Ms. Carole Prestley, a testament to her dedication and passion for education. In addition, Amy received a Certificate of Recognition for Exemplary Achievement in the Best Tradition of Educational Excellence, which was signed by President Barack Obama, Socrates Kolitsos and Superintendent Mr. E. N. Cotsoulas.

She was an active member of St. Charles Church and belonged to many ministries. She was always willing to help with other duties when she received notice from the church.

Amy was an active member of several organizations, including Friends of the Boardman Library, the Women’s Committee for Children’s Concerts and the Catholic Collegiate Organization. She was also involved with the Mahoning Retired Teachers Association, as well as the Ohio and National Education Associations of Retired Teachers. For many years, she participated in the Teachers Bowling League. A proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, she maintained strong connections with her sorority sisters. Additionally, she was a member of the Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Butler Institute of American Art and the Ohio Living Senior Center.

Many summers were spent traveling the world. One of the highlights of her journeys was having an audience with the pope at his summer residence in Rome. She was fortunate to visit several countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, England, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, where she toured the home and statue of Hans Christian Andersen and saw the iconic Little Mermaid statue. In addition to her European travels, she explored Mexico, the Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, Japan and most of the U.S. states. Many summers were also spent vacationing in Miami Beach, Florida.

Among her many passions were playing tennis, ballroom dancing, line dancing, volleyball, walking the trails in Boardman Park, roller skating and baking cookies.

Above all, she cherished the time spent with her nieces and nephews, creating lasting memories during their adventures. Whether it was the thrill of roller coasters at Idora Park, the magic of Sea World, the nostalgia of Conneaut Lake Park or the wonder of Disney World, each trip was filled with laughter, joy and bonding. These outings were more than just visits to amusement parks; they were opportunities to share her love and make her family’s experiences unforgettable.

She is survived by her sister, Teresa M. Carney; nieces, Maureen (Thomas) Drabison and Michelle (Paul) Gearhart; nephews, Thomas Carney and William Carney; great-nieces, Sarah (Austin) Saverko, Amanda Carney, Gabriell Carney and Jessica (Dustin) Slusher; great-nephew, Thomas Drabison II; and great-great-nephew, Ezra Slusher.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her brother, John A. Schiavone; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Carney.

Family and friends may call 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at St. Charles Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. John A. Zuraw.

Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Amy’s family requests material tributes be given to the Youngstown State University Foundation in Amy Sposato’s name, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of Amy may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Sposato family.

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