Josephine Califano

Josephine Califano, 97, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2020. Josephine is predeceased by her loving husband of 75 years, Michael, and survived by her two children, Richard Califano (Ellen) of Yonkers, NY and Joanne Natoli of Suffern, NY; four grandchildren, Eric Califano (Lindsay), Michael, Tommy, and Gina Natoli; and two great-grandchildren, Grace and James Califano.

Josephine was born on February 6, 1923 in Bronx, NY to Antoinette and John Izzo. She graduated from Morris High School in the Bronx and married her childhood sweetheart, Michael, on March 18, 1944. She resided in Nutley, NJ for 56 years where she was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Josephine was an administrative assistant for many years at the same bank branch in Nutley, working for First National State Bank of New Jersey, First Union Bank, Wachovia Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, from which she retired. She was well known in town and well-liked by the many townspeople she assisted over the years.

She was a family woman through and through. Her love for her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren outpoured in all the ways that of an Italian mother and grandmother would, and then some. Josephine never missed sending a card for a birthday, a holiday, or an opportunity to show a friend or family member that she was thinking of them and loved them.

Josephine was a strong woman who never shied away from sharing her wisdom and speaking what was on her mind. We will miss her giving nature, always asking if anyone needed anything even until her final days and hearing her most said phrases, “whateva,” “oh golly,” and “where’s my pocket book?” the most.

She loved and was deeply loved by her family, friends, and neighbors from all walks of life. She is already terribly missed, but will live on through memories and traditions.

Due to the current situation related to COVID-19, services will be private for the family. Josephine will be reunited with Michael and laid to rest at Ascension Cemetery (Airmont, NY).

The family would like to sincerely thank Brighten Gardens of Saddle River for their kindhearted and gentle care and will continue to pray for the health and safety of all residents and staff during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.