Obituary of Josephine Palagonia

Josephine Palagonia Nee Linfante, Gently, with grace and the well-being of those she loved uppermost in her thoughts, Josephine (Jay) Palagonia died at home on March 27, 2009. Mrs. Palagonia had a gift for giving comfort. Born in Newark, NJ, "Jay" was a first generation American who in the eyes of those who loved her was fearless and tireless. The second of 6 children, in 1929 she put aside her wish to be a teacher, passed for the age of 16 and began work as a bookkeeper at Bamberger's Department Store. Too soon after, she led her family through the unexpected death of her younger sister, and then their mother. In the world of post World War II America, with her sisters and brothers grown, she met Art and they married in 1948. As true partners, and with the optimism and inexhaustible work ethic that characterized them both, they left Newark to build a home and business in Harrington Park, NJ. A master cook of comfort food, skilled in needlework, possessing natural business acumen and a radiant smile, with goodness and mercy, she taught by example every day of her life. She was predeceased by Art, her husband of 54 years, in 2003, as well as sisters, Frances, Louise and Sue. Josephine is survived by her daughter, Nina Straitman and her husband, Rick of Wilmington, DE; two adored grandsons, Andrew and Ben Straitman; brother, Peter Linfante of Sarasota, FL; sister, Stella Vicarisi of Roseland, NJ and numerous nieces and nephews. On Monday, March 30, a viewing, 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Rd., Whiting, NJ, will be followed immediately by a 1 p.m. funeral mass at All Saints Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 30 Schoolhouse Rd., Whiting, NJ. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 3, 2009 at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine at 3 p.m. Jay would appreciate all contributions to help the sick, the hungry and the homeless.