Virginia "Ginny" Carmody

Virginia "Ginny" Carmody, 68, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at Francis House, surrounded by her immediate family. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Ginny was a proud graduate of St. Mary's Elementary School and John A. Coleman Catholic High School, Class of 1975, both in Kingston, NY. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from The College of Saint Rose in 1979 and went on to receive her master’s degree in Public Administration from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1981.

Following her graduate studies, Ginny embarked on a distinguished 27-year career in public service. She served in the offices of several prominent members of Congress, including Hamilton Fish Jr., as District Office Manager, George Wortley, as Associate District Director, and James T. Walsh, as District Director. Throughout her career, she was deeply committed to serving her community, assisting countless constituents with compassion, diligence, and integrity.

Ginny later became the founding Executive Director of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, where she championed literacy initiatives across Central New York. Among her proudest accomplishments was bringing Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to the region, ensuring that children throughout the community had access to books and the joy of reading.

Ginny had a lifelong passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether guiding constituents through complex challenges or advocating tirelessly for literacy across the lifespan, her dedication and leadership left an enduring mark. Through her work and her unwavering commitment to service, she helped make her community a better place for generations to come.

Virginia was predeceased by her parents, Vincent P. and Christine Berardi; godparents, Roscoe (Rose) Altomari; and grandparents, Francesco (Mary) Berardi and Charles (Virginia) Altomari.

Surviving are her devoted husband of 43 years, Mitchell; children, Riley Carmody and Christina Marie (Mathias Luque) Carmody; siblings, Michael (Beverly) Berardi, Gerard (Mayumi) Berardi, and Bernadette (Michael McGowan) Berardi; and beloved nieces and nephews, Dante (Amanda) Berardi, Dana (Kevin) McNamara, Jay (Abigail) Carmody, and Veronica Carmody.

To celebrate Virginia’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Michael & St. Peter, 4791 W. Seneca Tpke., Syracuse.

A funeral Mass will follow in the church.

Virginia will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt.

A catered reception will be held at the church reception hall at 2 p.m.

Floral donations (with the exception of lilies) are welcome for the church service. Alternative contributions in Virginia’s memory may be made to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, supporting continued efforts in early childhood literacy, or to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208, in gratitude for the compassionate care provided to her over the past six months.

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