Josephine Madonia

Josephine is survived by her son, Peter Madonia (Vincenza); her daughter, Hon. Janet Madonia Calano (Michael); her five grandchildren, Vittoria (Albert), Sofia (Steven), Daniel (Austin), Celia (Stephen), and Peter; and her great-grandchildren, Albert, Antonella, Rosalia, and Idalia. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Peter Joseph Madonia; her son, Mario Madonia; her parents, Ersilia and Marino Monni; her sister, Lena Scaduto; and many dear family and friends.

Josephine was born on November 24, 1925, in Canarsie, Brooklyn, to Ersilia and Marino Monni, immigrants from Le Marche, Italy. Josephine carried the values of love, family, and connection throughout her life. She met the heart of her life, Pete, at a dance in the Bronx, and together they built a beautiful life filled with devotion to their loved ones, their communities, and each other.

Josephine is likely most fondly remembered for her pizza, not only because no other pie could compare, but because she and Pete created each one with love. She understood that it wasn’t just about the pizza but that everybody got a slice. She credits herself with inventing the first “White Pie” in New York City with ricotta and sometimes mushrooms—no tomato sauce—when her husband Pete was suffering from an ulcer (1970’s) so that he would still be able to eat pizza with the rest of the family.

What a blessing it was to be in her presence. To know Josephine was to know warmth and light. With a reassuring squeeze of the hand she could make anyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. Despite her small stature, she carried boundless joy that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Her family finds peace in knowing she is now having a joyous reunion with her husband, Pete, her son, Mario, her parents, her sister Lena, and the countless family and friends she loved so deeply.

A wake is scheduled for reposing on Thursday from 2:00–7:00 p.m., at Bennett Funeral Home, Scarsdale, NY. A Mass will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in her name.