Josephine Salonia

JOSEPHINE SALONIA (nee Guzzo), age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Beloved wife of Joseph for 64 years; loving mother of Grace Salonia, Anthony Salonia (Jennifer) and Rosanna Salonia; cherished daughter of the late Francesco "Frank" and Rosaria "Rose" Guzzo (nee Streva); dearest grandmother of Victoria Ciciora (Michael), Monica, Joseph, and Luca; sister of Connie Schiciano (Frank, deceased), Ross Guzzo (deceased) (Aloma, deceased), and Mary Savarino (Anthony); beloved aunt, great-aunt and dear friend of many. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis DeSales Church (State Rd. and Snow Rd.), Monday, May 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), PARMA, SUNDAY, MAY 19 from 1-5 p.m.

Josephine, lovingly referred to as “Josie” by all those who knew her, grew up in a small town in Sicily, Italy in 1939. Together with her older sister, Connie, they journeyed across the Atlantic to the shores of America in the summer of 1952 – leaving their parents and two siblings behind with the hopes of sending for them soon afterwards. Seven years later, they were reunited in Cleveland, where Josie and Connie had set down roots. In 1960, Josie travelled back to her town, Mirabella, where she married Giuseppe (Joe) on June 4. They made Little Italy their home where their first child, Grace was born. Soon to follow was Tony, born in Westpark, and Rosanna, born in Parma, where they would remain for 46 years.

Josie lived for her family. Nothing gave her more pleasure than to make her husband and children happy by her unwavering support, encouragement, unconditional love, and by making their favorite homemade Sicilian dishes.

The joy she felt through her family was made complete by the birth of her four grandchildren: Tori, Monica, Joe, and Luca.

Everyone who knew Josie loved her. She had a magnetizing personality – she drew people in from the moment she met them. Josie had no interests or hobbies other than talking on the phone with all her family and friends who would seek her out for her sage advice and loving encouragement. She was kind, gentle, understanding, compassionate, sympathetic, and a true peacemaker. Above all, she had a sense of humor that had most people rolling with laughter.

Even up to the time of her illnesses and physical struggles, she always managed to have a smile and a kind word to every person who crossed her path. Her life had a ripple effect on the lives of so many others.

She loved her Savior and was sure of her eternal life.

She was truly one of a kind.