Isobel (Wirshup) Sportello, 96, of Keene and formerly Chandler, AZ and Yonkers, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 19, 2022 in the comfort of her home after a brief period of declining health.
She was born on June 10, 1925 to the late Esther (Stern) and Benjamin Israel in Brooklyn, NY. Before marrying, Isobel was a professional singer, enjoying singing for the USO.
On March 5, 1948, Isobel exchanged vows with Joseph Sportello, Sr. in a simple service. They were married for 55 years until the passing of Mr. Sportello on October 27, 2003.
Isobel was a stay-at-home mom until starting to work for Kevin Malloney, Attorney, in White Plains, NY as a Legal Secretary, where she worked for many years before relocating in AZ.
Isobel had many interests. She loved to sing, especially in church choirs and enjoyed reading motivational and inspirational books. She also felt the need to give back and volunteered at the Indian Reservations while living in AZ. She belonged to the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary in Yonkers. When she moved to NH, she joined the Senior Center in Keene and was a greeter at St. Bernard’s Church. She also read to children at Franklin School for a few years. But her passion in life was reading the Wall Street Journal and following the stock market.
Mrs. Sportello is survived by her sons, Joseph Sportello Jr, LaGrange, NY and Lawrence P. Sportello and wife, Kathleen of Swanzey, NH and daughter-in-law, Annmarie Sportello of Putnam Valley, NY; her grandchildren Colleen and husband Kevin, Catherine and husband Frank, Audra and husband David, Ester, and Peter Jr and wife Melissa; her great grandchildren, Paul, Owen, Aveline, Alexis, Steven, and Noah, along with extended family and friends. She is now rejoined with her husband, son Peter, daughter-in-law Louise, parents and sister Florence.
Services will be at 11:00am on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at St. Bernard’s Church, 173 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to the Monadnock Family Services, 64 Main Street, Keene, NH. 03431.
Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Homes and Crematories, Swanzey. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
