Josephine Marie Martino passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on March 4, 2023, just shy of her 97th birthday. A native of San Jose, California, she was the youngest child born to Italian immigrant parents, Luigi and Julia Barletta of Reggio, Calabria, Italy.
She was the beloved wife of the late Tom Frank Martino and a loving mother of Thomas Martino (Jane) and Sandra di Bari (Russell), devoted grandmother to James (Benson), Laura (Ean), Kelly (Daniel), Briana (Neil), and Shauna, and great-grandmother to Enzo, Luca, Oriana, William, Henry, and Caroline. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Josephine was a founding member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and an active member of its altar society for over 30 years; decorating the church for holidays and liturgical seasons. The last eighteen years of her life, she was cared for by her family and devoted caregivers, Yolly and Rosa. She lived a full life of love, laughter, generosity, grace, and beauty. She was faithful to her Italian heritage and enjoyed bringing family together for dinners, holidays, celebrations, and family reunions.
Services will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4600 Hyland Avenue, San Jose. Viewing from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Rosary from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Funeral Mass from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory can be made to St. John Vianney Parish SVJ75 Campaign: Building the Path from Hyland to Heaven.
