Josephine Angelina Buscemi

Josephine (Jo) Buscemi, 97, passed away on August 4th, 2012. Born on June 27th, 1915 to John and Mary (Silvestri) Passaro in New York City, she was the fourth of six sisters. Josephine married Salvatore Buscemi on June 15th, 1946 and they were blessed with their daughter, JeanMarie, several years later. Jo had a full and active life. She was employed by Abraham & Straus Department Store, was actively involved in her church, Our Lady of Grace, and was a member of many social groups. She loved reading, music, dancing and the theatre. After her husband’s death in 1975, Jo moved to Tucson to be with her daughter and grandchildren and share in their daily family life. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, family holidays and barbeques, and especially babysitting for her great-grandchildren. She continued her career at Sanger Harris/Foley’s Department Store and was a member of the Foley’s 20 Year Club. Her fun loving, happy personality and zest for life brought her many close friendships in Tucson, where she was a member of Parents Without Partners and other social organizations. Jo also volunteered at the School for the Deaf and Blind, organizing musical and theatrical performances for the students and their families. She loved traveling and enjoyed trips to Europe, the Caribbean, and her “dream” trip to Hawaii with her daughter. Jo remained extremely close to her family and friends in New York, traveling “back home” yearly to enjoy holidays, family functions, and many fun social events. Jo is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, JeanMarie and Charles Moore; her four grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) Anderson, Jared (fiancée Amber) Anderson, Celina (Mike) Kasmar, and Julia (fiancée John) Moore; four great-grandchildren, Tyler, Sophia, Anthony and Isabella; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at East Lawn Palms Mortuary Chapel on Wednesday, August 15th at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception. A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church prior to being laid to rest with her husband and mother in St. Charles Cemetery in East Northport, New York. She will always be loved and will never be forgotten.