Josephine Morgese

Josephine Morgese, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the Allendale Nursing Home in Allendale, N.J. with her children by her side. Josephine was born in Bronx, N.Y. on March 5, 1930, to the late Francesca (Tedesca) and Antonio Cavaliere. She graduated from a vocational school for tailoring.
Josephine married Pasquale (Pat) Morgese on October 7, 1952 at a "football wedding." Josephine and Pat started their life together in the Bronx, N.Y. where they had their son, Richard, and daughter, Diana. They later moved to Yonkers, N.Y. for a few years until they settled permanently in Airmont, N.Y. in 1965, where they had their daughter Janice. Josie spent much of her life in Airmont as a homemaker for her husband and children.
In her early 60's, Josie moved into an apartment at the Spook Rock senior citizen complex in Montebello, N.Y. She worked at the YMCA childcare program at Cherry Lane Elementary School. Josie was like a second grandmother to the many students she cared for at the YMCA program. Teaching the students crafting, sewing, and needlepointing was the highlight of her career.
After 18 years working for the YMCA, Josephine retired and spent her days enjoying many fulfilling activities. She could often be seen in the local BINGO hall, at the slot machines in Atlantic City, playing Friday night poker and Saturday afternoon Mahjong with "the girls" from the Spook Rock senior citizen complex. Josie spent many days at the senior center eating food, dancing to music, playing games and cards, as well as having conversations with friends. Josie also loved playing Phase 10, trying her luck on scratch offs and the midday lottery where she played her birthday numbers 305 in all possible combinations.
Josie was also well traveled. She took ten trips to Aruba and loved cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii. A trip of a lifetime to Rotonda di Potenza, Italy with her sister, resulted in finding their ancestral home and many distant relatives.
Josie loved parties and would be on the dance floor moving and grooving to old tunes by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Dean Martin, as well as the current hits on the Billboard Top 100. Josie had a unique style of dress. Flashy colorful clothes, sparkly jewelry, wild sequined hats, and crazy shoes became part of her favorite attire. She was also known as Josie Girl, or Josette by those who loved and admired her. She had a zest for life that carried through to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Josie cherished every moment spent with her family and friends. She was a bright light that always sparkled wherever she went and with whomever she had the pleasure of sharing special moments. Josie will be dearly missed by all the people whose lives she touched.
Josephine was predeceased by her only sister, Antoinette Amalfitano of Airmont, N.Y. Josie is survived by her son, Richard Morgese of Agoura Hills, CA, daughter, Diana Riccardi and son-in-law, Carmine Riccardi of Suffern, N.Y., daughter Janice Morgese of Airmont, N.Y., granddaughter, Colette Murphy of Suffern N.Y., grandson Thomas Murphy and his wife Shana Murphy as well as great- grandchildren Noah Alvarez, Eliana Murphy, and Cole Murphy of Monroe, N.Y.
Josephine's family would like to thank a few of her caregivers at the Allendale Nursing Home in Allendale, N.J. Thank you to her nurses Barbara, Joanna and Patrika and her CNAs May and Luz for giving her the best care possible and making her feel loved and respected even during the most difficult times.
In lieu of flowers, Josephine's family requests donations made to:
Compassionate Care Hospice/Amedisys Foundation
3854 American Way
Suite A
Baton Rouge, LA 70816