Josephine Marie Carabello

Josephine Marie (Russo) Carabello, lovingly known to her family as "Mama," passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, in Jupiter, Florida, at the age of 103 - just two weeks shy of her 104th birthday.

Josephine was born on February 13, 1922, in Castellana Sicula, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, to Anna Riggio and Vincenzo "James" Russo. As a young girl, she crossed the Atlantic by ship with her mother, Nani (Anna Riggio), and her sisters Mary and Jean; her sister Palmina was born later in the United States. They came to join her father, Vincenzo, who was already in America working to build a future for his family.

She was one of four sisters and was predeceased by her sisters: Mary Borzetta, Jean Turkowsky, and Palmina Russo, who died in childhood in the 1950s.

On February 28, 1943, Josephine married Rosario P. "Sal" Carabello in Passaic, New Jersey. Together, they built a home in Clifton, New Jersey, where they lived for many years and raised their family. They were married for 58 years until his passing on October 7, 2001, in Clifton, New Jersey.

For many years, Josephine and her husband owned and operated Pam Coat Company in Passaic, New Jersey, a family business that reflected their strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit - values that they passed down to their children and grandchildren.

Josephine was a longtime parishioner of Saint Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Clifton, New Jersey, where she was deeply involved in parish and school life. Over the years, she served in various volunteer roles throughout the church and school community, including with the Leisure Time Club, reflecting her generous spirit and love of community.

Mama was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth, resilience, and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She was known for her strong faith, her steadfast devotion to family, and her ability to bring people together.

She is survived by her two daughters:
Sandra, married to Robert James Moore, Sr., and Pam, married to Harold George Rypkema, Sr.

From her daughter Sandra Moore, she is also survived by her grandchildren: Robert James Moore Jr. and his wife, Pamela, of Richmond, Virginia, and their children Nicholas (married to Abby), Alex, and Olivia. David Moore and his wife, Elisa, of Glen Rock, New Jersey, and their children Max, Haley, and Stella. Thomas Moore and his wife, Lindsay, of Belle Meade, New Jersey, and their children Jack, Ellie, and Charlie.

From her daughter Pam Rypkema, she is survived by her grandchildren: Harold George Rypkema Jr. and his wife, Jessica, of Waldwick, New Jersey, and their children Matthew and Ashley. Lynn Marie Gamper and her husband, Andrew, of Wyckoff, New Jersey, and their sons Andrew and James. Dennis Rypkema and his wife Emily, of Durango, Colorado, and their children Rosario and Delilah.

Arrangements are as follows: Viewing will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey, followed by a Mass at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Clifton and interment at Calvary Cemetery, Paterson.

Josephine lived a long and remarkable life, witnessing more than a century of change and the growth of generations of her family. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will live on through those she leaves behind.