Josephine Scaffidi

Josephine Scaffidi, sadly passed away January 16, 2021. Loving wife of Joseph. Devoted mother of Leonard, Francine and Christine. Cherished grandmother of Anthony and Lisa. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Josephine's memory to Little Shelter 631-368-8770. Message from Joseph, Leonard and Francine to the Family and Friends of Josephine Scaffidi It is with tremendous sadness and very heavy hearts that we let you know of the passing of our beloved Wife and Mother, Josephine Scaffidi, on Saturday, January 16, 2021. During these unfortunate times of the Covid-19 pandemic we do not expect, and do not ask, our family members and friends outside of the immediate local area to travel for the brief visitation/wake and funeral services that are being held. We know in our hearts that your thoughts and prayers are with us as “Josie” (or “Jo” as she was sometimes known) is laid to rest. We are sharing just a few cherished thoughts and memories that we might have discussed with you had you been able to be here with us. We have also created and will share a photo slide video that memorializes happy and special moments from Josie’s life. First and foremost, Josie was an extremely caring and family centered person. Her main objective in life was always to please her family and provide a good home. She was ecstatic at the birth of her grandchildren, Anthony and Lisa, and cherished any time that she could spend with them. Her two sisters and five brothers were her best friends. If time and distance did not allow her to see them in person, she was always sure to spend regular time on the phone connecting with them. Josie was a great lover of nature and all animals. She taught her children to appreciate all the beauty, love and happiness that nature and animals bring into our lives. She would always point out the sound of a particular bird singing or perched in a tree, the beauty of a flower, butterfly, or sunset, or the sound of the hush of fresh fallen snow. She loved our family dogs and cats. As children, through her example, we learned to love them as part of our family. She even delighted in watching the squirrels dig up acorns in the backyard grass as her husband Joe would exclaim in exasperation! Josie loved to cook - and she was phenomenal at it! She was so good that she ruined our ability to entirely enjoy dinner out at a restaurant – we would compare the food to her cooking and oftentimes her cooking was simply better! Francine was her “kitchen slave” beginning as a young child … today she is so glad that she had that memorable quality time cooking together with her Mom in the kitchen. Sunday mornings we would wake up to the sounds of the “Italian Hour” playing on the radio, with her singing along as loudly as she could, as she was cooking the Sunday meatballs and tomato sauce. And, speaking of that tomato sauce, she would often threaten us with “I’m gonna get you with the wooden spoon!” whenever we might misbehave (and when Francine would steal the sauce from the pot). She was also known to break a couple of those spoons on Lenny’s shoulder ... Josie was feisty and a very tough cookie. She was a 28-year breast cancer survivor. She handled her surgery and chemotherapy with grace and dignity. When someone said something to her that sounded untrue, unbelievable, or not quite right, she often shot back with … “Are You For Real”? This was typically in a situation that also left us cracking up laughing. Josie loved to kid around and was often the life of the party at get-togethers and celebrations. She loved to dance and she loved music. Frank Sinatra was her favorite (Tony Bennett was probably second in line). She also enjoyed watching shows and movies with the “Rat Pack”. She could easily strike up a conversation with a complete stranger (usually waiting in line to pay for something, or over a head of lettuce in the produce section of the supermarket). She was a real Yankees fan! She enjoyed watching the games together with family and really got into the team when their seasons were strong and when they were in the World Series. She especially like watching the games when Paul O’Neill was announcing. Josie was a “neatnik”. She hated things out of place and junk laying around. Unfortunately, sometimes that “junk” turned out to be something that one of us was very fond of! For instance, she threw out Francine’s favorite pair of jeans – do you know how hard it is as a teenager to break in jeans just right?! And, Lenny feels that he can truly say “today I would be a millionaire, but my Mom threw out my baseball cards!”. We would also like to express our very sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Gail Taylor, Josie’s special friend and companion during the final years of her life. Josie’s face would always light up with a smile when Gail entered the room. Gail had a great ability to make Josie feel comfortable and make her laugh. Gail will always hold a place in Joe and Francine’s hearts for the love and caring that she provided to Josie. Finally, Josie was the love of her husband Joe’s life. He did not miss a single day of visiting with her during her time in the nursing home, waiting until she closed her eyes at night to go to sleep. Words cannot express just how much we miss her, Oh So Dearly . . . but our memories will keep her alive in our hearts. She is finally dancing again, in heaven, along with her dear departed family members, friends, and cherished pets that have been awaiting her arrival and are embracing her once again.

Josephine Scaffidi

October 22, 1926 - January 16, 2021