Mechanicville, NY - Giustina "Irene" Volpe of Saratoga Ave. passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 at Wesley Health Care Center. She was 94. Born on March 28, 1915 in Mechanicville, she was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Lucia (DeMicco) DelPrete Topetro.

Irene attended Albany Business School where she loved playing basketball. She worked as a payroll clerk for the Robert Reis Co. in Waterford until her retirement. Irene enjoyed the daily numbers and could always be found sitting at her dining room table during the month of August playing the horses at Saratoga and eating her chocolates. She also enjoyed watching the NY Yankees and especially her favorite player Derek Jeter. Sunday mornings would begin in her kitchen where she would cook her meatballs and simmer her sauce. She loved to bake, especially round balls, pizzelles and "i guanti" for any special occasion.

Every year "Grandma Irene" would knit mittens, hats and scarves for all of her grandchildren. Irene's love for family could be seen by the smile on her face anytime they were together around the dining room table eating, playing cards or pokeno. Every year Irene looked forward to the Feast of the Assumption. Family and friends from all over the country would spend those three days at her home on "The Avenue" in honor of the "Blessed Mother". She was a member of the Assumption-St. Paul faith community.

In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Joseph Volpe; five sisters, Rose Almendo, Anna Fraticelli, Catherine Santa Barbara, Tommasella (Frances) Fusco and Concetta Sgambati and two brothers, Thomas and Andrew Topetro. Survivors include her three children, Frank Volpe Sr. and his wife Carol of Broadalbin , Madeline Marinello of Mechanicville and Lucielle Canary and her husband Tom of Stillwater; her grandchildren, also known as "The Dirty Dozen", Patty, Danny, Joey, Freddy, Donna, Scott, Carol Jean, Trisha, Frank John, Deanna, Annemarie, and David and twenty three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 at the Dunn Funeral Homes, Inc., 319 Park Ave., Mechanicville, NY 12118. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at Assumption-St. Paul Church, Main St., Mechanicville. The Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia will officiate. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Paul's Cemetery, Mechanicville.

Irene's family would like to thank all of the staff and health care providers on 4 Springs at the Wesley Health Care Center. Their love and compassion during her stay there is greatly appreciated. Donations may be made in her memory to With A Heart, Choose A Friend, c/o The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.