Josephine Marie Pitton

Josephine Pitton was born to Italian immigrants, Felix and Mary Miniello Policarpo, in Fresno, CA, where she graduated from Edison High School in 1945. Her father passed in a truck accident when she was just a few months old. Before he passed, he had built his family a home that is still standing on C Street. Eventually, her mother married Tony Ventrella, and he became step-father to Frank, Sarah, Jim, and Josephine, and together Mary and Tony had a child, Sam Ventrella. Josephine met her beloved husband of 67 years, Mario, at the Rainbow Ballroom. They married in 1949, and started their family in San Francisco, CA. In 1954, they moved back to Fresno where they reared their children. Mario frequently said, "the wife did it all" while he often worked out of town in his terrazzo and later tennis court businesses. Among other things, Josephine cared for the five children, their home, their finances,

sewed clothing, chauffeured the children to and from school and activities, and was an excellent cook.

Besides sewing for her family, Josephine's first job out of high school was sewing, including alterations for the old

Berkley's Department Store in downtown Fresno. Years later, she worked as a sales clerk for Gottschalks, relishing the "good deals" she got with her employee discount!

She retired from Gottschalks about 20 years ago, to provide childcare for three of her grandchildren over the next several years.

Mario preceded her in death by less than two months, and now they are together for eternity. They were wonderful parents, in-laws, and grandparents, and both will continue to be missed by all. Josephine leaves behind her children and their spouses, Phyllis Martino and her husband David, James Pitton and wife Helen, David Pitton and wife Jeanne, Terri Dickey and husband Jeff and Mari Barrett and husband Andy; nine grandchildren; and six great-grand-children. Her brother Sam also survives her; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 21, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Please make donations to the charity of your choice.