Josephine, "Josie/Jo," was known to be selfless and generous. She was always happy to host, cook and serve. Josephine always had the best recipes, whether it was her famous vita sandwiches, reubens, ricotta cheese cake, mussels, classic lasagna and more. However, besides the food everyone loved being with her. Even friends of her children rather of hung out with her than them. She shared many stories of the Bronx and her life growing up. She described it in such a special illustrative way that amazed anyone who heard. Josephine was a proud house wife and if she wasn't cleaning, she was on her bed watching TV. TV and movies were her life. She loved the show Ancient Aliens. We would love to get her riled up about the conspiracy theories they shared on the show. Every time we went shopping she would be on the hunt for a new Espresso Italian pot (moka)— she has 11 in all different sizes. She was always happy go lucky and no matter what, she always brought joy into every moment. She was full of life and loved by everyone.

Reunited and with Fiore Manzo (father), Ersilia Manzo (mother), Antoinette Manzo (sister), Eraldo "Big Al" D'Ottavi (father-in-law), Grace D'Ottavi (mother-in-law), Richard D'Ottavi (brother-in-law), Brian D'Ottavi (nephew), Jeanette Bellini (sister-in-law), and beloved pets Brandy (German Shepard), Gizmo (Shih Tzu), Fluffy (Maine coon cat), and Little Bit (Yorkie mix).

Josephine survived by her husband, Edward "Eddie" D'Ottavi; her two children, Joseph Edward D'Ottavi and Grace-Anne D'Ottavi; her brother/brother in law: Mario, Louie and Dominick Manzo, and Louie Lampedusa; and her sisters in law, Carol Lampedusa, Lucy and Rosanne "Ro" Manzo. All her beloved nieces and nephews, Lisa, Debbie, Denise, Michael, Jacqueline, Vincent, Victoria, Amanda, Julianna, and Dominick, Jr. are also left to cherish her memory.

Please share your memories of Josephine or express condolences to her family through our online guestbook.