Josephine Helene Susini

Josephine Helene Susini, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2020 after a long battle with COPD. She was surrounded by her loving family as she took her last breath to be in the arms of Jesus.

She was born on September 20, 1932, in Hackensack, NJ, to Adam and Beatrice Szelesta. After her mother remarried, she was raised by James Grimaldi. Josephine married Domenico Susini on November 10, 1953. They made their home in Dumont, NJ where they raised 5 beautiful children. They had a love story like no other; and 67 amazing years together. In 2004 they retired in Holiday City in Toms River, where she remained until her passing.

Josephine was an aspiring model who was Hollywood bound. She turned down a gig with Frank Sinatra when she met the love of her life. She decided a life of love was worth more than a life of fame. She was a caregiver, a homemaker, a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a bowling champion, dominating her league for years. She had a passion for cooking, especially her famous spaghetti and meatball Sunday dinner. She was a die hard Elvis Presley, and METS fan. She was simply known as Ama by all who knew and loved her.

Josephine is survived by her loving husband Domenico, and their 5 children, daughter and husband, Linda and Jimmy; son and wife, Domenico III and Marisa; daughter, Diane; daughter, Kathy; daughter and son-in-law, Beatrice and Steve; and her adopted daughter Millie; grandchildren, John, Diane, Jaime, Joel, Sean and wife Jackie, Justin, Dawn, Jacquelyn and fiancé Gabriel III, David, Kayla, Dana and husband Torgeir, Jennifer and husband Gene, Sharon and husband Steve, Jodi and Christian, Steven Jr., Tara and fiancé Edwin, Dominick; plus 17 great grandchildren, Hailey, Ryan, Jordyn, Gabriel IV, Greyson, Jaidyn, Julian, Jolie, Jaxon, Jacob, Sophia, Sebastian, Sage, Silas, Averi, Christian, Theadora, extended family members, Angel Mary and Bruce who have gone above and beyond in caring for Ama; cousins Kim, Angelo, Dominic, Michael, Rita, Rosemary, John and Domenic; David, Anthony, Aileen, Eric, Lynn; and her many nephews, nieces and friends, all of whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents Adam Szelesta, James and Beatrice Grimaldi; sister, Sandra Petnel; brothers, John and Alfred Szelesta; grandson, Domenico Susini IV; and son-in-law’s David Lezette, John Gulino and Tom Maier; and loving friend Mark Leader.

She leaves behind a devastated family that she was very proud of. She will be sorely missed; not a day will go by and we will not feel her absence. All whom loved her will never forget her humor, honesty (sometimes brutal), generosity, and undying love for them. We “feel your love” Ama, and we will always remember. A cup, A cup, A cup, A cup, YA! Love you more.

Please sign the guestbook or share your favorite memory of Ama. We would love to cherish these stories forever.