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Josephine Marchese TRAFFICANTE
Josephine Marchese TRAFFICANTE
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Josephine TRAFFICANTE Obituary
95, died peacefully in her sleep, Wednesday morning at her home. She was born on March 24, 1920. She was a native of Tampa, a second-generation Sicilian immigrant who grew up in Ybor city.
She lived an exciting life dividing her time between her multiple family members and friends in Tampa, Miami and Havana. She was a wonderful cook, and she loved to crochet and travel with her husband, but she lived her life for her family. For the last 20 years, everyone knew her as JuJu. She touched all who knew her, and upon meeting her, she would embrace you, and you would instantly become part of the family. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She handled great adversity and difficult, troubling times with grace, dignity, style and with respect and love for all around her. She was the Matriarch of the Trafficante Family, and we will all miss her presence, guidance, love and affection.
She was predeceased in death by other loving family members. Passing before her were her parents, Antonino and Sarafina Marchese; her beloved husband, Santo Trafficante Jr.; her sons-in-law, Augie Paniello and Richard Valdes; and her brothers, Bennie Marchese, Tommy Marchese, and Peter Marchese.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jo Paniello and Sarah Ann Valdes; her grandchildren, Dr. Santo Paniello and wife, Susan; Dina Smith and husband, Don; Melissa Castellana and husband, John; and Valerie Cordell and husband, Ian; her great-grandchildren, Michael Sierra, Elizabeth Paniello, Sam Paniello, Christopher Paniello, Christina Castellana, Augie Castellana, Alexa Cordell, Anna Cordell Drew Smith, Allison Hunt and husband, Joey; as well as endless extended family.
Pallbearers are Augie Castellana, Sam Paniello, Christopher Paniello, Anthony B. Marchese, Peter Marchese Jr., Ian Cordell, Don Smith, Frank "Pancho" Trafficante, John Castellana, and Dr. Santo Paniello. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Castellana, Malio Iavarone, Frank "Cookie" Fava, Antonino Mario Marchese, Derek Iavarone, Frank Albano, Drew Smith, Joey Hunt, Michael Sierra, and Tony Marchese, Peter Albano, Mario Pullara, Frank Miranda, Dino Trafficante, and Joseph Trafficante. .
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Italian Club of Tampa Cemetery Fund, 1731 East 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, with service to follow at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL. Services will be followed by a graveside service at the Italian Club Cemetery and a reception at the family home. GonzalezFuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mady Dudney
June 4, 2015
She was an amazing role model to all the women of this wonderful family. Her light lives on through all of your loved ones. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Erika Marchese Howards
May 18, 2015
To all of the Trafficante & my dear Marchese family, reading about the loss of this lovely lady who was always kind and caring while my family was part of the Marchese family.She has always held a special place in my heart and always will. She will never be forgotten and always remembered with love! I am very sorry for your loss.
Taormina, Sicily, 2012
Valerie Cordell
May 17, 2015
Nana you opened your heart and home to all. I will miss your smiling face, gentle touch, and loving spirit. You taught us all so many things that will live on through all your family. We will never forget you and always celebrate your glorious life. Rest in peace under a magnificent banana tree surrounded by lots of tomato plants for you to make marinara sauce for all the angels in heaven.
Angel & Letty Baltar
May 16, 2015
We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this very sad time.
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Gerald Buzbee
May 16, 2015
I just read this and am so sorry for all my friends and their families. Melissa, Valerie and Dina, and all your families, please accept my sympathy and condolences. She was such a beautiful person. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Joe Ciaravella
May 16, 2015
Condolence to all the Trafficante family , from Olga Joe Ciaravella and Family (son of Fracesca Trafficante and Domenico Ciaravella )Guelph Ontario
Angela &Billy Class
May 15, 2015
Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to Mary Jo , Sarah Ann and All The family.
Frank Massaro
May 15, 2015
Sarah Ann.....Mary Jo.....
Fond memories are on the hearts of the Massaro's
when we think of your Mom... and Dad.....
No matter who the neighbors on 18th Street in Ybor City
Your parents were always there in times of dire need.....
As a child and to this day your Mom left me with an image of a very sweet and gentle lady....she had a presence about her that left a lasting impression....I thought of her often through the years.....Her sweetness was passed on to you both.... I can attest to that.... having had the joy of knowing you as a child on 18th street.
Our condolences.....
Frank (Johnny's brother) and Trudi Massaro
Terry & Alyssa Governale
May 15, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Alyssa & Terry Governale
May 15, 2015
Sarah Ann, my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rosalie Perrone Fehr
Sashia T.
May 15, 2015
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal...
So very sorry for your loss.
Nizar Bhojani
May 15, 2015
Sincere condolences to the family.
Anthony F Lazzara
May 15, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family. May God's Peace be with you in this time of sorrow.
May 15, 2015
Condolences from Helen Alvarez and Manny Alvarez
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7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614
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