Josephine T Dukes

Jo was born in Orange, NJ on October 6th, 1927 to Samuel and Rosalie Colombrito. She met the love of her life, Homer Francis Dukes, at a CYO church dance. They married in 1951 and enjoyed 59 wonderful years together until Homer’s passing in 2010.

Jo and Homer loved to travel the world with friends, and lived life to the fullest. Their special group of life-long friends (the Cantalupos, Hehls, Dwyers, Wirths, Giaconnas, Barths, and Matt Rinaldo) made annual group Halloween costumes (their Chinese dragon was the best!), had a monthly themed dinner club, and were involved in local politics.

Jo was instrumental in organizing large family Massimino and Crisafulli reunions, worked at election polls for many years, and taught us all how to play Mexican Train dominoes. She considered herself an introvert, but we saw her as the life of the party.

One of Jo’s greatest gifts was making the holidays meaningful for all. She was an excellent cook, and never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary. Friends and family were always amazed that her greeting cards arrived right on time. Her greatest joy was gathering with her family during the holidays. She was so grateful, especially while wheelchair-bound in her later years, that her daughter Pat’s family made the holidays so special for her.

Jo was involved in community service wherever she lived: Union, Tom’s River, and Lakewood. She served as president of the General Federation of Women’s Club, leading various fundraising events for the needy over the years. She served as a Girl Scout leader for many years, was on the board of the Boys Club of America, and was instrumental in allowing girls to join the club in Union. Jo was honored for her commitment to the community with various awards, including Woman of the Year from UNICO. At both Lakewood and Harrogate, Jo was a leader in many groups and clubs. As the general manager of Harrogate once said, “Jo’s involvement and leadership is what makes Harrogate special.”

Jo is survived by her brother, Tom Colombrito; three children: Pat Carroll (Ron, companion) in Dover, NJ; Carol Dukes (Bill) in Raleigh, NC; Richard Dukes (Lisa) in Hope Mills, NC; as well as nine beloved grandchildren, who dearly loved their Nanie: Kathleen Jacoby (Jim), Bill Carroll (Diana), Cathy Truono (Joe), Cristina Durrell (Alec), Eric Notarnicola (Bethany), Danielle Dukes (Dan), Michael, Stephen and Ryan Dukes; and eleven great-grandchildren: Chris, Tori, Danny, Becca, Rosie, Liam, Connor, Amelia, Owen, Lucy, and Athena.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Homer, her sister and brother-in-law Ida and Fred Cardillo, her brother and sister-in-law Phil and Mary Colombrito, her sister-in-law Colleen Colombrito, and her son-in-law Bill Carroll.

Jo’s family is deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to her by the loving staff at Harrogate Health Center. A special thanks to Joan DiBella, John and Marie Frey, Nancy Jo Cardillo and Michele Colombrito for their many visits and loving support of Aunt Jo.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Josephine's memory to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will take place at D’Elia Funeral Home in Lakewood on March 7 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 8 at 9:15 AM at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Toms River. A repast and celebration of Jo’s life will follow. If you wish to send flowers for the services of Jo, please call the Flower Bar in Brick.