Josephine Judith Centofanti

josephine centofanti
Josephine Centofanti June 7, 1922 –April 18, 2011 Josephine Centofanti was born June 7, 1922 in Campbell, Ohio. She passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on April 18, 2011 in Redondo Beach, California with her family by her side. Born at home to Italian immigrant parents, Gennaro and Michelina, Josephine was the middle daughter in a family of two boys and three girls. Her legacy would be defined by her lifelong and loving relationship with her tight knit family. Josephine attended local schools in the small steel town of Campbell, Ohio and graduated in 1940 from Memorial High School. Her love of talking and making friends was immortalized in the caption next to her year book picture “With a group of girls she was always found, but to get to class on time, she was always bound.” Her extraordinary cooking skills were learned in the cozy kitchen of the large brick family home. The house was surrounded by open land where her father planted a large vegetable garden. Harvest time was a happy occasion for the family to gather and do canning of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. On June 10, 1944 Josephine embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, she married Carmine, a handsome, outgoing Italian gentleman. Together they raised a family, traveled the world and loved each other deeply for 66 years, until Carmine’s death eight months ago. Always a devoted mother, Josephine dedicated her life to her three children, Robert, Jerry and Nancy. Fresh baked bread, wonderful meals and an enthusiastic welcome always greeted those arriving at her home. After moving to California in 1963, the family settled into the casual South Bay lifestyle. In 1967, Josephine achieved one of her lifelong dreams of having a beautiful ocean view when the family moved to Palos Verdes. Though never considered a career woman, Josephine left her mark on the PV community in the early 1970’s when she provided friendly service to the patrons of Mayer’s Bakery in the Peninsula Center. Heading to Palm Springs in the early 1980’s to enjoy her senior years, Josephine was well loved in the little community of Sunrise Racquet Club. She joined in many of the club house activities and volunteered her time at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church. Above all, Josephine loved family. She loved visiting with them here in California, talking with them on long distance phone calls and traveling to Ohio, Italy and Australia to share milestone moments of weddings, communions and baptisms. The triumphs and sorrows of her family were felt deeply in her heart. She was always happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Josephine is survived by sons, Robert, Jerry (Lynne); daughter Nancy (Kevin) Niles; granddaughter, Joanna (Charles) Curtis and great grandson Joseph. She was predeceased by her loving husband Carmine in 2010 and her beloved grandson Kevin Michael Niles in 2003. Josephine is also survived by her sister Mary Del Signore of Torrance as well as many loving nieces and nephews in California, Ohio, Italy and Australia. A gathering of family and friends with be held on Monday, April 25, 2011 at Rice Mortuary from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with the Rosary service beginning at 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Martyr Church on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 10:00 AM with a reception following immediately in the church hall. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

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