In loving memory of
Josephine Ristaino

• September 19, 1926
• -
• April 11, 2022

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Josephine Ristaino, originally from Rahway, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at 95 years old on April 11, 2022.

Jo worked as an administrative assistant for most of her career but also had been a typesetter in my Uncle Joe’s printing shop. An excellent statistical typist & extremely well-organized, she worked for various companies and lawyer firms. In later years she obtained a real estate license and enjoyed that new career. Proficient in Shorthand (a long-lost art), she used this skill well into her 80’s.

Her favorite past-time was homemade Italian cooking! Specialties were anything pasta related, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana (my husband’s favorite, which she would especially make just for him), homemade soups, Italian bread, and pastries.

Card games of rummy & solitaire were her favorites. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, sharing her creations with everyone. Traveling was always on her agenda. She & Adolf spent years exploring Florida coast to coast, and one of our favorite memories is of a leisurely, meandering, bed & breakfast hopping, ‘leaf-peeping’ fall foliage tour of New England.

Even into her late-70’s when she could no longer work full time, Jo continued to keep busy by volunteering at pet stores, animal rescue and Senior centers. Together with one of her best friends Shirley Weesner, they would always run errands for less-abled seniors in their building and share meals. She enjoyed independent living until, at 88-years old, dementia slowed her down, but even that did not stop her feisty zeal for life. She loved sharing mealtimes & smiles until her passing.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Clara Della Rosa and her loving spouse, Adolf Ristaino. She is survived by her sister Lee Skocypec, her daughter & son-in-law, Theresa & Bill Edwards. Her grandchildren Lauren Tango, Austin Tango & wife Jen, and great grandchild Dryden. Her son, Robert Tango & wife Angel, and many other family members & friends.

Our sincere, heartfelt thanks to Sandra Davis and Shoshi Sharon for overseeing Mom’s excellent, loving care during her closing years.

Services will be private. Please kindly donate in her memory, to your church, Alzheimer’s organizations, or animal shelters.