Josephine Caracciolo

It is with both sadness and peace that we announce the passing of our mother at age 101, Josephine (Jay) Caracciolo. She passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior from congestive heart failure and dementia in San Jose on January 21, 2026, which was one week short of the 30-year passing anniversary of her husband, Phil (Chuck) Caracciolo. She is survived by two daughters, Geralyn (Richard) Giese of Cupertino, CA and Debbie (Kerry) Smith of Campbell, CA. She leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Amanda (Christian) Monari, Andrew Giese, and Rachel (Phil) Wadlow. Also survived by two great-grandchildren, Ava and Carson Monari, and her youngest sister, Vivian (Ralph) Hounshell and family, as well as several nieces and nephews.

We will hold a private burial, but family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Westgate Saratoga Church Theater at 2:30 p.m. Address is 1735 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose. Dinner at the same location will follow.

In lieu of flowers, you may send funds to Mom’s home during her last five years - Caring Hearts Senior Home/Kitchen Fund, “In Memory of Nana Jay.” The staff did a beautiful job caring for mom, and we would love to bless them instead of having flowers for ourselves. Please send your funds through Zelle to (408) 439-9696 (which is their business account). Since this is a for-profit business, your donation will not be tax deductible. Thanks for your consideration.