Josie Falbo

Josephine “Josie” Falbo passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family, at the Golden age of 82. Formally married to the late Salvatore Lepore and Joseph DeChristopher. Devoted Mother of Sal (Linda) Lepore and Anthony (Danielle) DeChristopher. Loving Daughter of the late Antonio and the late Maria, nee Loscavo, Falbo. Fond Grandmother of Domenico, Lucia, and Chiara. Dear Sister of Maria (the late Angelino) Elia, and the late Catherine (the late Joseph) Berlen. Dear Aunt, Great Aunt, and Great-Great Aunt to many.

Josie had been one of Chicago's busiest and most frequently heard studio singers for over 40 years.

Heard on countless commercials [in various languages] throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, including McDonald’s, Mr. Clean, Sara Lee, Oscar Mayer, Green Giant, United Airlines, Old Style, Nationwide, Coke, Midway Airlines, Budweiser, plus 1,000's of others heard in other countries as well as the "Cruisin' USA" Video Game and hit records in both the U.S. and overseas. Josie's talents have been utilized by so many on four different continents.

Josie's career began singing in Italian and English when she was 19 months old. In 1952, she had performed on the Morris B Sachs amateur hour at the age of nine. Josie had won voice scholarships in both high school and college, performed solo at the Lyric Opera House using her multi-range voice in both classical and pop idioms.

Before her jingle career took off, she was a sought-after nightclub singer in the Chicago area, performing with her own bands as well as others, including Bobby Perna.

Her multi-octave voice delivered the power of Gospel, she could rock and be-bop with the best of them and could perform today's contemporary hits with a style and sound that amazed all audiences.

Josie's diverse vocal abilities were utilized by numerous artists ranging from Celine Dion, Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Bolton, Ben Vereen, Vic Damone, Nancy Wilson, Dennis De Young of Styx, Loleatta Holloway, James Durst, Yolanda Adams, Della Reese and Mavis Staples to name a few

Josie was one of the last artists to be signed to the label that originally signed the Beatles (which was right here in Chicago) called Vee-Jay records. She cut two sides for the label before it went bankrupt.

Josie was also heard on the re-recorded sequences of the restored Orson Welles classic film “Othello”, on the TV show ads for “Dave’s World” as well as her work with other gifted singers on the theme song for the TV show "Chicago Story". and more.

In 2006, Josie was inducted into the Order Sons Of Italy Hall Of Fame for lifetime achievement in the arts. 

Josie's work with Chicago's critically and internationally acclaimed "Lakeside Singers" had been seen and heard by thousands on TV as well as in person at their spring and Christmas shows. Her solos at the shows brought down the house, brought tears to people's eyes, and commanded multiple standing ovations.

Josie was a working singer up until her untimely passing on Jan. 1, 2026. Whether it was working with orchestras and bands at clubs, corporate events, or concerts, cantering at her grammar school, Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine in Chicago, or as a back-up singer for various shows in Chicago, recording sessions for artists or commercials, and more, Josie's voice will stand the test of time. Her legacy will live on in her music.

Family and Friends are to gather for the Visitation on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162 (located between Mannheim & Wolf Road). Funeral to follow on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from Russo’s Hillside Chapels proceeding to Divine Infant Parish, 1601 Newcastle Avenue, Westchester, IL. Mass of Christian burial celebrated promptly at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Please click on the link to watch the Mass of Christian Burial http://vimeo.com/1152243215?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci. For additional information please call (708) 449-5300. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii would be appreciated. Please share a remembrance or condolence on Josephine’s tribute wall/guestbook found on the tab above.

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