Obituary of Josephine Mastrosimone

Josephine Mastrosimone, a resident of Poughkeepsie, New York since 2001, died Friday, January 8, 2021 at 99. She was born in the Bronx, New York in 1921, daughter of Adeline Tornatore (Pettinicchi) and Pericles Pettinicchi, who had emigrated from Italy. Her sister, Rosalind Patten, predeceased her in 1983. Josephine’s husband of 72 years, Salvatore Mastrosimone, predeceased her in 2014. A devoted and beloved mother, she is survived by her son, Thomas Mastrosimone of Hyde Park and her daughter, Denise Smith and her husband, Peter Brown of New York City. Josephine was a proud American of the Greatest Generation. During World War ll, she left her administrative position in New York City to travel to various states where her husband was stationed, before his Army deployment overseas. After the war, she and Salvatore raised their family in the Bronx and then in their home of 46 years in Yonkers, New York. There Josephine spent many happy occasions entertaining in their garden or out ballroom dancing with their many friends. She loved animals and travels to zoos and National Parks in the U.S. and Canada. At home, Josephine kept the family’s Italian heritage alive with her fabulous cooking. She was an extraordinary baker for those lucky to be the beneficiary of her treats. With a youthful and independent spirit, she spoke her mind and championed her family. Always tenacious in the face of challenges, she lived her life with dignity, grace and style. Services will be private at this time and she will be entombed at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. To send a personal condolence, please visit www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.