Josephine Bileci Compagno

Josephine Bileci Compagno
September 3, 1909 ~ April 21, 2007

CARMEL – Josephine Bileci Compagno passed away peacefully at Valley Rest Residence on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at the age of 97.   She was born in San Francisco, CA, the eldest daughter of Salvatore and Mary Bileci. Moving with her parents in 1915 to Trapani, Sicily, she attended the Liceo Classico and then returned to San Francisco in 1927. Employed initially with the then Bank of Italy (now, Bank of America) she subsequently moved to Monterey in 1931 to be with family.   Josephine worked at the Roma Market in downtown Monterey for over 30 years, first with her parents, and then as owner with her husband, John Compagno. A devout Catholic, she was devoted to her faith and was a member of the San Carlos Rosary Group. She also served as Secretary of the local Italian Catholic Federation.
   Josephine was happiest when surrounded by her family, who remember their gatherings over her wonderful meals, during which she would entertain everyone with stories of the family and events of her past from Sicily to San Francisco.
   Josephine was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Compagno; her oldest son, Anthony 'Nino' Compagno; her brother, Joseph Bileci and her sister, Violet Bileci Cusenza. She will be deeply missed by her sons, Salvatore and John Compagno; sister, Evelyn Bileci Cusenza; daughters-in-law, Catherine and Katherine Compagno; grandchildren Jody Crossman, John M. Compagno, Francine Margulis, Natalie Compagno, Julietta Skoog and Emily Compagno; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
   The family wishes to thank the staff at Valley Rest Residential Care for their loving care. Josephine now rests next to her beloved husband, John in the Chapel Mausoleum at San Carlos Cemetery. A private memorial gathering is being planned for the near future. The family welcomes queries at (510) 409-6128. Memorial contributions may be sent to the donor's favorite charity.