Josephine Scozzari

Beloved wife of the late Vincent Scozzari. Dear mother of Janet Scozzari, Linda (Jim) Fujarski, Michael (Bess) Scozzari and Paul Scozzari; loving grandmother of Justin (Allie) Fujarski, Stacy (Ricky) Espinosa, and Sophia Scozzari; great-grandmother of Isla Fujarski; sister of Jimmy Vivirito, Sonny Vivirito, Marie Gambino, Pearl Middendorf, and Rose Ann Cusumano, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Born in St. Louis to the late Jack Vivirito and Josephine Vivirito (nee Catanzaro), both of which were born in Termini Imerese, Sicily, Italy and migrated to the United States. Her father worked in the produce business his entire life and her mother cared for her 6 children.

Josephine “Jus” was raised on Gresham Avenue, attended Our Lady of Sorrows grade school and Cleveland High School, then moved to Murdock Avenue in St. Louis Hills. She met the love of her life, Vincent Scozzari, on a blind date in their early 20’s introduced by best friends Joe and Mae Cunetto. They married on June 14, 1952. She and her husband enjoyed lifelong friendships, becoming like family with the Cunetto, Rumbolo, Castellano, and Buttice families.

Josephine was a very proud woman of her Italian Heritage, enjoying her passions like cooking, dancing, walking, swimming and spending time with family and friends.

She worked at Nash Motors until she started a family and became a housewife, always a hard worker, going above and beyond to care for her children. A respectful, sweet and loving woman to all that she met. Her genuine acts of kindness towards others was immeasurable.

She had a strong faith, a blessed life and lived life to the fullest. She will be dearly missed by her family.

Please leave a memory of Josephine for her family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.

If desired, memorial donations in Josephine's name may be made to St. Louis Italian Open for Children's Charities. To donate via mail: 12511 Sunset Dr.; St. Louis, MO 63128 or follow the link below to the website.

Their mission: The Italian Open Charity for Children strives to give all funds raised through your generosity to our charities supporting less fortunate children in St. Louis. Today, nearly 40 local children's charities benefit from the Italian Open. The Board of Directors is proud to be a working Board of volunteers who donate their time and efforts. As a result, we are able to donate nearly all funds raised directly to our charities.

Eulogy given by Linda Fujarski and Janet Scozzari at the Funeral Mass of their mother:

Hi, I want to thank everyone who was able to be here today to be part of Mom’s celebration of life. I know Mom would be honored to know all of you cared enough to be here.

Mom was born in St. Louis to the late Jack and Josephine Vivirito, both of which were born in Termini Imerese, Sicily. Mom would have been 97 in August. God has blessed us with her for so many years.

She had 2 brothers Jimmy and Sonny, and 3 sisters Marie, Pearl, and Rose Ann. Mom attended Our Lady of Sorrows grade school and Cleveland High School. After graduating from high school, she worked full time at Nash Motors as well as working in the family produce business.

My mom and dad met in their early 20s on a blind date introduced by best friend Joe and Mae Cunetto. After 5 years of marriage they started a family. My dad provided for us, while my mom became a housewife to care for her 4 children.

My mom was a very caring woman. She showed her love to others in so many ways. She always took the time to cook for family and friends when they were sick or in times of sorrow. She took pleasure in visiting them and making sure they were taken care of. She also was the only one on the block that would make lunch for all of our friends and it brought her so much joy.

She also loved to cook in times of celebration. My mom and dad often entertained, and she went above and beyond to make sure everyone left full. We also had family dinners every night with home cooked meals.

We learned many life lessons growing up as she was supportive and encouraging in all aspects of life. Most importantly she had a strong faith in God and always led by example. She demonstrated the importance of trusting in Him to lead us in the right direction.

Mom was always eager to care for her grandchildren. She babysat for us every weekend (literally), on top of cleaning our house and doing our laundry while she was there. Stacy always enjoyed playing cards with Grandma, while Justin hung out with Grandpa. She also never missed grandparent’s day at school and attended their sporting events.

Sophia will always remember Grandma picking her up from elementary school, going to Bread Co. together, and hanging out at her house.

Mom was blessed to have her great grandchild, Isla, who she truly adored. Her face would light up when she saw her, and Isla recently learned to tell her “I love you very much Grandma Jus.”

Mom was very active throughout her life. She and my dad loved dancing, she enjoyed swimming and water aerobics, walking the mall and the trail, not to mention shopping for clothes. She even continued driving until the age of 91.

Mom was a positive influence in people’s lives. She joyfully gave all of her life to other people’s needs. It was never about her. We will always remember how much she loved us and how she devoted her life to caring for others, especially family and friends.

Yesterday morning I read my verse of the day and thought it exemplified how my mother lived her life:

Romans 12: 9-13 - Love in Action

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

All our lives wouldn’t have been the same without you Mom. We love you, we miss you, and we’ll be together again someday.