Josephine (LaCanfora) Ventresca

Josephine “Josie” (LaCanfora), Ventresca, 94, a lifelong resident of Worcester passed away peacefully Friday, June 11^th, 2021, surrounded by the ones she loved.

Born and raised in Worcester, Josephine was one of seven children of Italian immigrants Pietro and Maria (Lamonica) LaCanfora.   She graduated from Commerce High School and began her working career as a quality inspector with the MKM Hosiery Company in Rochdale, then with Sprague Electric in Worcester before finishing her career with the Digital Corporation.   She is predeceased by her first husband John Kontaxi.  Josephine then married Primo Ventresca, Sr.  and they lived happily until Primo passed away.   Josephine continued to live in the family home she grew up in.   

Josephine is survived by her devoted son and daughter in law, George J.  and Eileen Kontaxi of Millbury;  a stepson, Primo “Chucky” Ventresca Jr. of Worcester; a brother, Peter LaCanfora and his wife Carol of Naples, Florida; two grandchildren who fondly called her “gram” and of whom she was so proud of, Sarah Kontaxi and her partner Chris Moriarty of Worcester, Kristen Kontaxi, and her fiancée Willie Pitts Jr. of Millbury; two great grandchildren that she cherished, Avyana and Roman; Many nieces, nephews and extended family members.  In addition to her parents and husbands, a stepson Robert Ventresca, a brother Samuel LaCanfora and four sisters, Frances DeProspo, Gloria DiGiorno, Julia Marchese, and Anna Caporelli, all predeceased her. 

Josephine was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel church, its Golden Years and Our Lady of Sorrows.  She lived in one of Worcester's famous “Three Deckers” where she loved to bake and cook, filling the entire building with wonderful smells of Italian delicacies.  Her home was always open to family and friends alike and no one ever left hungry.  Josephine also enjoyed the many trips to the casino.  On Saturday nights over the years, Josephine and her siblings would meet at one another’s homes to play cards and enjoy family company.  

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours Wednesday, June 16^th from 4 to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Thursday, June 17, from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, where her Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial will be in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St Jude Children’s Research hospital, 501 St Jude Way, Memphis Tenn.