Josephine Mary Ghilarducci

Josephine Mary (Manzi) Ghilarducci was born on June 10, 1926, in Ferndale, CA to Cento and Lena Manzi, and passed away March 18, 2025, in Scottsdale AZ at 98 years of age. She graduated from Grant Elementary School in Ferndale, CA, Fortuna Union High School in Fortuna CA and Business College in Eureka CA. She married Dave Ghilarducci on October 4, 1947. Shortly after their marriage, they built their new home in Rio Dell CA, where they lived the rest of their lives, with the exception of the last seven years, Josephine lived in Scottsdale AZ with her son Rich and daughter-in-law Lana who felt they were blessed to have her in their presence. Dave and Josephine purchased a Texaco franchise in 1954 and then owned and operated Dave's Texaco Service Center in Rio Dell for over 30 years. In 1978 the business expanded to become Dave's Texaco Service and AAA Towing. Through the years Josephine did all the administrative work and accounting for the business. Josephine also supported her husband as he served as the Fire Chief for the City of Rio Dell for 32 years. Their commitment to their community was apparent by the time spent attending numerous fire service events and local community events. She was one of the founding members of the Rio Dell Ladies Fire Auxiliary, a member of the Saint Patrick's Church Altar Society, and the Rio Dell PTA. For years after the passing of her husband, she enjoyed her daily walks through downtown Rio Dell. She enjoyed taking train trips with her family thought the western United States and Canada. She was an avid sports fan, especially enjoyed watching the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants. For over 20 years she attended the San Fransico Giants spring training games and was a long-time season ticket holder. She loved to play UNO cards, and was a winner most of the time, in which she reminded you about her winning record. Family was most important to her, and she looked forward to family reunions, family breakfasts with her niece and nephews, and hosting dinners at her home in Rio Dell. She was a caregiver to her parents, her in-laws, and her husband for many years. She was always willing to provide support and guidance to her children, as well as support and guidance to her close friends whenever needed. Josephine is survived by her daughter, Judy McKinley, daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Tim De Fazio, son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Lana Ghilarducci. Grandson, Scott De Fazio and Heather and Grady Parker, grandson, Kit and CJ McKinley and daughters, Lillian and Beth. Sister-in-law, Liana Ghilarducci, as well as many nephews and nieces and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Ghilarducci, parents, Cento and Lena Manzi, in-laws, Frank and Josie Ghilarducci, brother and sister-in-law, Charley and Mary Manzi, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond and Maureen Ghilarducci, brother-in-law, Robert Ghilarducci, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Henry and Angie Silva, son-in-law, Harless McKinley. There will be a Rosary service Friday, April 4, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Gobles Fortuna Mortuary in Fortuna CA, a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fortuna CA. Final services will follow at Ocean View Cemetery Mausoleum in Eureka CA. There will be a life celebration for Josephine April 5, 2025, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Hall. Donations can be made to Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department at 50 Center Street Rio Dell CA 95562, or a charity of your choice. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine, please visit our floral store.