Josephine Cocozello Obituary

Loving wife and adored mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Josephine was born October 20, 1939 and was called home by God on April 22, 2023. She passed away peacefully in the house she shared with her husband of 63 years. Deeply devoted to her faith, our Lord was always at the forefront of her teachings. Dedicated to our Blessed Mother, she prayed the rosary daily and throughout her final days, a rosary was ever-present in her hands. Born and raised in Tompkinsville, she attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School and Curtis High School. She married her childhood sweetheart, Jerry in 1960 and together they raised six sons. The love of her husband and family were her ultimate priority throughout her life. She took great joy in serving not only her family but the many people who came through her doors on what was an everyday basis. Parents, in-laws, family friends, and the friends of her children were always welcomed with love and regularly treated to home-cooked meals. Sending her children through Catholic Schools, she regularly volunteered at Sacred Heart for school functions and her home-baked cream puffs were a fixture at Wednesday-night Bingo. She also served on the board of the Staten Island Federation of Catholic School Parents. While being a mother and wife was always her passion, she spent 15 years working in various roles at the Columbian Lyceum in West Brighton. Working with a relatively younger staff, she was a mother-figure and mentored her employees for their future. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed cruises with her husband, an occasional day-trip to Atlantic City, and watching the Yankees. However, her most cherished times were family gatherings. Josephine was predeceased by her son Gerald, parents, Fabio and Angelina Mirto, her brothers, Alphonse and Nicholas Mirto, and grandson Vincent. She is survived by her husband Jerry, her sons Jimmy (Toni), Danny (Tracey), Christopher (Patty), Michael (Helen), Joseph (Jennifer), her daughter-in-law Maggie, 23 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her sister Rosalie. Arrangements are being handled by Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue. Friends are welcome Wednesday, April 26th from 1:00-4:00 and 6:00-9:00 and the Funeral Mass will be Thursday, April 27th at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church with interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.