Josephine Gelo

She was born in 1923 in Agrigento, Sicily to Calogero and Serafina Curreri and the family immigrated to America via Ellis Island while she was only seven years old.

On a trip back to Sicily in her 20s, she met the love of her life Salvatore and they were married in a traditional Sicilian wedding on April 29, 1950. He then joined her and immigrated to America as well.

They began their new life together in Brooklyn, NY where they both worked and eventually raised their four children Caroline, Vincent, Sarah and Charles. In keeping with Italian tradition, their children were all named for their grandparents.

Josephine had an incredible memory and loved to recount the stories of her life. She loved her family and friends and enjoyed cooking for them. Many of her recipes were handed down to her from her mother, of which she perfected so traditionally.

When God promoted her to Grandma, she enjoyed continuing her traditions with them and she became known as Grandma Ducci, Nanny Yum Yum and Grandma Josie, as she lavished them with her love and kisses and “chin nuggets”.

Josephine had a deep faith in Jesus and prayed to him daily for her family, including her son Charlie who was diagnosed with cancer and her granddaughter Jessica who was battling RSD, a rare illness. She believed in the power of prayer and that God could perform miracles, of which he did!

Josephine was a loving and giving person and beloved by all who knew her. She was a Mom, Daughter, Wife, Sister, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt and friend.

She is predeceased by her husband Sal, her son Charles, her granddaughter Jessica, her parents, and her sisters and brothers.

She is survived by her three children - Caroline Costantino, Vincent Gelo, Sarah Stevens; two sisters, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

In Lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Josephine Gelo may be made to your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesjosberger.com for the Gelo family.