Josephine Pascuzzi

Josephine celebrated her life walking beside Jesus and was a blessing to her family, friends, colleagues, her church community (which she became very involved with) and all those that knew her.  Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1932, the daughter of immigrants from Naples, Italy, she is survived by her loving and devoted husband Michael, their four children and their spouses, ten grandchildren as well as her sister, brother and their spouses.

Jo (as she was known by), and Mike, met at a wedding, fell in love and were married in 1952, despite her brother’s objections.  They first lived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, way before it was trendy, then moved to Valley Stream to raise their family.  They were married for 66 years.

As a young lady, Jo wanted to go out and work.  She became a proud, fashionable retail associate at Macy's Herald Square and modeled hats at Klein's on 14th St. Later she enjoyed a long career as a bridal sales consultant with associates who became lifelong friends.  Jo welcomed everyone into her home with love, kindness and spirituality.  Everyone knew they were always welcome at Jo and Mike’s house.  A visit there usually included a serving (or several servings) of her legendary Italian cooking along with several glasses of Mike’s wine, especially during holiday and life celebrations.

Always active in her community, at first as PTA president, cub scouts, religious instruction catechist, teen Antioch retreats, catholic charities to name a few, and later on, along with her husband, living the word of Christ ministering in their parish of Holy Name of Mary Church through the parish outreach, marriage encounter, pre-cana, bible study, eucharistic ministry, and ministry of consolation.

Among Jo's passions, were organizing pilgrimages to the holy land, Oberammergau, Lourdes, Fatima and many European destinations.  Jo and Mike's church community as well as many of those they traveled with became part of their extended family.  Jo's beautiful spirit and love of Christ is an ongoing blessing to us all, she lives in our hearts always.