Josephine Leone

Birth date: May 4, 1918 Death date: Jan 20, 2018

Josephine Leone, 99, of New Port Richey, FL passed away peacefully on Saturday January 20th, 2018. Josephine was born in Hartford, Connecticut to Frank and Agata Leone on May 4th, 1918. She was employed as a Supervisor for the pay Read Obituary

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Nina Ida Marie Spadaro

406w ago

I am there with you all in spirit if not physically present to celebrate the mass with you today. My cousin Josie Leone was a model of grace, strength and beauty. She was always there for my mother (Nina) and father (Louis). She was the most elegant lady I knew - always dressed to the nines! She'd often stop by our house on West 8th Street for coffee with my mother on her way to 13th Street. She was selflessy devoted to our family and our Sicilian heritage even during times when this was not politically correct. Josie loved beauty in all forms and taught me that love and creativity in art and music was a birthright of Italian-Americans. One of the most beautiful books I ever received was from her - a large book of Japanese Fairy tales with gorgeous pictures that I read to my sons and many other children I know through the work that I do. I still have it and treasure it. She had it engraved to me by her good friend Paul Patine`. Even in her latter years she always was beautifully dressed and welcoming - she and Fran were the most excellent hostesses when my husband Rives and I visited a couple of summers ago. They fed us (so much) delicious food that we were stuffed, and Josie's apartment was carefully decorated with classic antiques and statues that were as amazingly preserved as she appeared! I am pretty sure she is already decorating heaven, advising the angels on what to wear, and making struffoli for everyone. She will live forever in our memories and our family stories.

Nina Ida Marie Spadaro
Bellingham, WA

Joseph Spadaro

406w ago

Remembering Josie
Josie Leone was my father Louis' first cousin. Her father Francesco Leone was the brother of Louis' mother Marianna (Anna). The earliest memories of her were from our time in Brooklyn. She lived on W. 13th St. and we lived on W. 8th street in Bensonhurst. So Josie would visit us often and we as kids, enjoyed visiting her and her family in their apartment. It was up a long, steep flight of stairs on the 2nd floor, a place steeped with Italian-American cultural traditions. In retrospect, it is clear that Josie's graciousness and generosity came from her parents and is shared by her sisters Fran and Lena.
Josie continued to visit my father for many years after my mom died and she was a great help to him, bringing some food and things and making sure he was OK . We are very grateful for this. The Italian family connections were very warm and almost always involved incredible food, which suited me just fine. Eventually, Josie moved to Hudson, FL to be near Frances and Michael where she had a beautifully arranged mobile home where we visited on a few occasions and were treated to her delightful humor, hospitality and home cooking. Her sister Frances and her nieces and nephews were able to help her so much in her later years.
Probably the most amazing thing about Josie was her positive attitude, sharp mind and almost flawless memory. Despite progressively losing her vision to macula degeneration, she kept up on news, politics, the price of artichokes and the goings on of all her family. She would us call often. Her mind was sharp to within weeks of her death at 99. We will all miss her wit, wisdom and graciousness that the Lord allowed us to enjoy for so long. Oh, and did I mention the cuisine?
---Joe Spadaro, Syracuse NY

Mary Spadaro

406w ago

"
Josephine Leonie holds a special place on my heart! I met Josie in Brooklyn when I was dating Joseph Spadaro around 1966. She made me feel like I was part of the family right from the start. Josie would often drop in at the Spadaro home for a visit on her way home from work. Conversation was always interesting....with hugs all around. She was always positive and would assure you that everything would be fine. When she had no more to say she would declare " Well, that's it!"

I'll never forget the first time I visited the apartment where she and her sister Lena lived on the second floor. The long flight of stairs was daunting even for me at 26! Climbing those stairs every day probably contributed to her longevity! Not to mention all the walking she did all around Brooklyn to the market, bakery and church, etc.
Josie was a wonderful cook and a perfect hostess. Whether it was in Brooklyn, or in

Diane Beardsley

406w ago

A beloved sister, dear aunt and great-aunt, we will miss you so very much, Aunt Jo. Your kindness and generosity brightened so many lives.

Anonymous

406w ago

Sent a Full Of Love Bouquet to the Leone family.

A vibrant bouquet showcases pink tulips and roses alongside greenery in a glass vase.

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