Josephine D. Pietro

Josephine D. (Rossetti) Pietro, 90, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Beaumont of Worcester; joining her beloved husband of nearly sixty-five years, Ralph J. Pietro, Jr., who died in May 2015.   Josephine, a beloved mother and grandmother, is survived by her family; a son, Ralph J. Pietro, III and his wife Beth of East Dennis; two daughters, Maryann Girard and her husband Daniel Sr., and Paula Pietro Malmquist and her husband Kim, all of Worcester; a brother, Anthony J. Rossetti, Sr. of Shrewsbury; nine grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Brian, Joseph, Matthew, Jeffrey, Benjamin, Ashley, Alyssa, and Ariana; ten great grandchildren, Louisa, Gabriella, Daniel III, Elyse, Sloane, Wyatt, Everett, Penelope, Henry, and Luca; many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Josephine was born in Worcester, one of nine children, to the late, Angelo and Maria (Giaquinto) Rossetti; and was predeceased by seven of those siblings, Jenny Fitzback, Michelina Casey, Madeline Pezzula, Margaret Baldino, Nicholas, Louis, and Christi Rossetti.    Having lived in Worcester her entire life, she graduated from David Hale Fanning Trade, where she honed her artistry as a seamstress and stitcher; and worked for the former Paul Hats Company.  She was a lifetime member of Saint Stephen’s Church.  She loved playing cards, BINGO, and visiting “The Wonder of It ALL”.  She was a huge Patriots and Red Sox fan, but at the same time, was their toughest critic.   Josephine’s, who was known more affectionately as “Nonie”, biggest joy in life was her family.  Her mix of feisty protectiveness defending her loved ones, combined with her sweet, gentle soul who lovingly spoiled her grandchildren, made Josephine the ultimate wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother.  Her “tough as nails” persona was also evident in the fact that she was the only grandmother known in the city to be ejected from her grandson’s Little League game for “ disputing” a call!   Nonie took great pride entertaining during the holidays, when she lovingly and painstakingly prepared  homemade authentic Italian food to her loved ones.  They were able to drink in the love that poured out from her heart.  Her graciousness at parties continued throughout her life, and even in her later years when she moved to Beaumont Nursing Home. There she gained many friends, loved to socialize, and was always the “Belle of the Ball” at functions and parties.   Her family would like to thank her dear friend and roommate, Mary Mclean, for being her “guardian angel” at Beaumont.  A special thanks is also extended to her many friends and caring staff members on the third floor. Their kindness and compassion is much appreciated.   Calling Hours for Josephine will be held on Wednesday morning, March 28, in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, from 8:30 am until 11:20 am, when the procession will prepare to depart for a Funeral Mass at 12 Noon in Saint Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester.  Interment will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.   In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Patient Activity Fund at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 378 Plantation Street, Worcester.