Obituary of Josephine A. DeFelice

Josephine “Jo” DeFelice (nee: Fiorello) passed away peacefully on May 26, 2023, at her Succasunna home of 55 years. She was 93. 

Jo was born in Netcong, to Josephine (nee: Maria Guiseppa Oliva) and Nicholas Fiorello. She attended St. Michael’s Elementary School and graduated from Netcong High School when she was only sixteen.

In 1950, she married the love of her life, Pasquale "Pat" DeFelice, who preceded her in death in 2011. They enjoyed going to Atlantic City and spending time with family. In their 61 years together, Jo and Pat regularly hosted their many siblings, nieces, and nephews for Sunday suppers and pool parties. 

Jo was a Chief Operator with Bell Telephone Company for more than 30 years before retiring in the early 1980s. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. 

Jo was always there for her extended family. She was an active parishioner of St. Therese Catholic Church. She generously donated to many charities, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, in honor of her brother Dominic and sister Louise, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and many more.

Jo was predeceased by seven sisters; Anna Lombardi, Lucy Webbe, Mary Cholish, Antionette Lamberto, Rose Kelly, Louise Fiorello, and Theresa Arbolino, and five brothers; Chester, James, Nicholas, Dominic, and Richard Fiorello. 

Her life will be remembered by her surviving sister and brother, Joan Howard of Wharton and Michael Fiorello of Stanhope, and many nieces and nephews, including her devoted nephew, Dominic, who was a constant source of support during her last years.

Josephine’s Life Celebration will include a Memorial Mass on Saturday June 3, 2023, beginning at 10:00 AM at St. Therese Church, 151 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ. All are invited to meet at church on Saturday morning. She will be laid to rest privately at Stanhope Union Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to St. Therese Church, 7 Hunter Street, Succasunna, NJ 07876.