Josephine “Josie” Abplanalp, wife of the late Robert Abplanalp inventor of the modern-day aerosol valve and Nixon confidant, died on Friday at her house in Bronxville, N.Y. She was 98. Many would say may God bless her for the life she had, but he truly did.
Josephine “Josie” Anne Sloboda was born in 1925 in New York City and was the only daughter/child of Paul (Pavel) Sloboda and Apollonia Lajcha Sloboda, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia in the early 1920’s. Josephine grew up in Bronxville, NY. She attended Yonkers’s Public School #8 and Roosevelt High School, from which she graduated in 1943. She later went on to study chemical sciences at Westbrook Junior College in Portland, Maine. Upon her graduation, she returned to New York City and took a sales representative job with Eastman Kodak Company. Eventually Josie became a hand model for advertising campaigns.
In 1955, Josie met Robert Abplanalp, an inventor and one of the cofounders of Precision Valve Corporation, at a restaurant in midtown Manhattan. This was only the beginning of the beautiful life they would create together. Josephine and Robert Abplanalp were married on November 10, 1956 in St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxville. A year later, the couple welcomed their first child John and their daughter, Marie a couple of years later.
Josephine Abplanalp was a tenet of love, closeness, and service. Her family was her greatest accomplishment and one that she took pride in. She devoted her life to her family and helping others. Josie was a committed member of the Bronxville League of Service, St. Joseph’s Church and school, and many charitable organizations. In the mid-1960’s, when Robert’s alma mater, Fordham Prep was in severe financial distress and faced with the possibility of shutting its doors, Josie organized a fundraiser which raised half a million dollars. This enabled Fordham Prep to remain open and continue to educate young men today. She later went on to be dubbed “The First Lady of Fordham Prep.” Both Josephine and Robert Abplanalp were named in 1971 to two charitable orders, the Order of Malta and the Order of the Holy Sepulcher.
Josephine lived a life that was truly extraordinary, not only in her commitment to service, but she truly lived life. As a result of the family’s close friendship with Richard Nixon, she attended two inaugural balls and slept in the White House twice. She got to witness first-hand the United State’s hockey team beat the Soviet Union in what is now known as the “Miracle on Ice.” She has met two popes, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Josephine’s biggest and most favorite role was being a grandmother to her grandchildren, to whom she was fondly known as “Mimi.” She was a remarkable woman who lived an extraordinary life.
Josephine Abplanalp was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Apollonia and her husband Robert Abplanalp. She is survived by her two children, John (and Tonina) Abplanalp of Stamford, Connecticut and Marie (and Greg) Holcombe of Bronxville, NY; her grandchildren, Walker Abplanalp, Francesca “Chessie” Abplanalp, Annie Holcombe, and Katie Holcombe.
Friends and family are invited to call on Tuesday, August 29,from 4pm-7pm at the Fred H McGrath & Son Funeral Home, Bronxville, NY. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 30th at 10:45am, St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville, NY
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Josephine S. Abplanalp may be made to Catholic Charities of New York City which helps New Yorkers in need, Catholics, and Non- Catholics alike with compassion and respect. Catholic Charities, Office of Development, 11th Floor, 1011 First Avenue, New York, NY 10022 or catholiccharitiesny.org
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Craig Thompson says
August 25, 2023 at 9:16 pmThis great lady will be missed. Her gentle presence was always warm and inviting who was in the room.
Umberto Luchini says
August 27, 2023 at 12:34 amOne of the most gracious and loving humans I’ve had the luck to meet and know. You will be missed Josie.
Nigel Jackson says
August 27, 2023 at 2:20 amSorry to read of your passing. My fond memories however live on.
The Nelson Verlezza family says
August 27, 2023 at 9:45 amOur dear friend Josie was not only a loving wife, mother, and grandmother but also an epitome of beauty, elegance, and wit. She carried herself with a class and respect towards others that is rare to find today. While we’ll deeply miss her physical presence, she will forever remain in our minds and hearts. May she rest in peace.
Michael J. Connolly says
August 27, 2023 at 12:27 pmRest In Peace
Rodina Slobodová-Moravčíkova says
August 28, 2023 at 10:08 amPríjmite našu úprimnú sústrasť. Je nám veľmi ľúto, že taký dobrý človek ako Jozefka nás opustila. Radi spomíname na jej návštevu u nás na Slovensku. Sme radi, že aj napriek takej diaľke na nás nikdy nezabudla, a ani my na ňu tiež nikdy nezabudneme. Nech odpočíva v pokoji.
Maria Garvey says
August 28, 2023 at 5:24 pmI was fortunate to have the pleasure of knowing Josie.
She was an extraordinary human being with much love towards others.
A Class Act with a big heart!
My condolences to her lovely family and friends.
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Judith Remy says
August 28, 2023 at 7:54 pmI shall miss Josie. She was a lovely person. She and Bob were a wonderful couple. Blessings to all family members.
Jason Quetell says
August 29, 2023 at 7:15 pmA true gem of a woman Mrs. A you will be missed Our interactions will live with me forever, and your memory will never be forgotten A lady a true American.
Carol Josephine Ann (Kavalek) Graham says
August 30, 2023 at 8:44 pmBoth Josie’s and my parents emigrated from Czechoslovakia.
When I was born, my parents chose Josie to be my Godmother. Somehow these titles get lost in life as the years go by but after 65 years, my daughter Tara, suggested I reconnect with my Godmother Josie.
I am grateful to have spoken with her several times just a month before she passed.
For this I am grateful.
And it was though no time had passed because she remembered everything and even reminded me of events I had forgotten about.
I am also grateful to my daughter for having the foresight to encourage me to reconnect.
I feel somehow God has blessed me through connecting with Josie after so many decades.
In eternal peace and love,
Frances Sceblo says
August 30, 2023 at 9:26 pmI am the sister of Carol Graham who is the god child of Josephine. I am so sorry to learn of Josephine’s demise. I remember her well and I attended her wedding to Robert. She was a beautiful lady and her parents were very visited close friends with my grandmother, Emily Kellner. I visited with her quite often with my grandmother. I am so sorry to learn and may they both rest in peace, Josephine and Robert. My deepest regrets and condolences to her family.Frances Sceblo
Fred H McGrath & Son, Inc. is a third generation; family owned and operated Funeral Home. Located in the Village of Bronxville, the McGrath family has been serving the surrounding communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Mt. Vernon, Yonkers and Scarsdale since 1918.
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