Josephine McGowan Schleifer

Josephine McGowan Schleifer September 29, 1931 – October 7, 2025
Josephine McGowan Schleifer, 94, of Ocean Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune.
Born in San Lupo, Italy, on September 29, 1931, Josephine was the daughter of the late Giovana (Saccone) and Cosimo Ciaglia. She resided in Matawan for many years before moving to Ocean Township. Josephine worked at Fort Monmouth and later as a clerk for Mutual of America in New York City. She found joy in reading and creating ceramics, hobbies that reflected her warmth and creativity.
Josephine is survived by her loving children, Michael McGowan and his wife Lisa, and Maureen Vitalone and her life partner Larry Fachner. She was a proud grandmother to her beloved grandson, John Vitalone and his wife Heather.
She is also survived by her cherished brother, Michael Ciaglia, and his late wife Nina; her devoted nieces, Michele Ciaglia McGuinness and Tracy Ciaglia and wife Sharon; and her dear great-niece, Jillian McGuinness, daughter of Michele Ciaglia.
Josephine was predeceased by her parents, Giovana (Saccone) and Cosimo Ciaglia, and her sister-in-law, Nina Ciaglia.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and again on Saturday beginning at 10:30 AM at Day Funeral Home, Keyport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Keyport, followed by interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Josephine's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Josephine, please visit our floral store.