Josephine Rosa's Obituary
Josephine Christine Piantedosi Rosa was born in Watertown, Massachusetts on October 22, 1929 to Michael Angelo Piantedosi and Pasqualina Izzo Piantedosi. Her parents migrated to the United States from Italy. She had one brother John, and five sisters – Mary, Rose, Vera, Jean and Carmella who passed away shortly after her birth. She has many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews in various parts of the country. Some of her family migrated from Italy to Australia. She has a large family there and they were lucky enough to visit here and meet each other. It was such a joy for her to meet them. She also has family in Argentina.
Josephine grew up and attended school in Watertown, Massachusetts. She was bilingual in English and Italian and knew quite a bit of Spanish. She went to work at an early age for the B. F. Goodrich Company where she met her future husband Edward Rosa. Their fathers both worked there and became friends.
Josephine and Edward were married on July 22nd, 1951. Ed was in the Army Air Corp reserves and with the draft proceeding fast, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. While Ed was in Okinawa, their first child was born. Lynda Marie Rosa entered the world at the Chelsea Naval Hospital. As a military wife, Josephine was keeping the home front running raising Lynda with her parents in Watertown until her husband Ed was honorably discharged.
Two more children followed Lynda. Toni Ann Rosa (Woods) and Edward Anthony Rosa. Josephine raised her family outside of the Boston area in Cambridge, Burlington and Tewksbury until they relocated to Florida in 1979. Her husband Edward was a Police Officer in Burlington, Massachusetts and then he worked for RCA on various assignments including the Space Programs. She held down the fort through it all.
Josephine went to college in Volusia County at Daytona Beach Community College, now Daytona State. She obtained a Florida Realtor’s License but decided that was not what she really wanted to do. She went to work in the Florida Education System retiring as a Teacher's Assistant in Special Education. Josephine’s family expanded with the addition of spouses, Karen Naro, Brian Woods and Yuki Rosa.
Gardening was always a passion for Josephine. She could always be found outside with her plants, flowers and yard decorations even when she was not supposed to be outside as she was allergic to poison oak. She was a partner in hope with St. Jude's Hospital for Children and gave faithfully to Shriner's Hospital. She regularly gave items to Goodwill, Am-vets and supported the local Cancer charity events. She loved classic movies, The Golden Girls, Hulk Hogan and her soap operas with she called her “Stories” but She never missed Dancing with the Stars.
Josephine’s brother John Penny (for short) was a great country singer, agent, producer and talent scout. She loved singing with him and her sisters.
Josephine’s husband Edward passed away in April of 2011 and he is at his resting place in the Military Cemetery at Bushnell. Josephine will join him there. In lieu of services, she has asked that you donate to St. Jude’s or the Disabled American Veterans.
What’s your fondest memory of Josephine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Josephine?
Share a story where Josephine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Josephine you’ll never forget.
How did Josephine make you smile?