Josephine Mary Calabro

Josephine Calabro, 92, of Washington, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, in UPMC - Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as the beloved “Aunt Sippy” to many nieces and nephews. Josephine was born on June 18, 1923, the oldest child of Catherine (Coraggio) and Mike Matullo. She grew up on Mill Street in Washington and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1942. On February 21, 1946, she married her childhood sweetheart, Bruno Calabro. They raised four children, and were married for 43 years, until his death in 1989. Home and family were first and foremost for Josephine, but she did not want to be described as a “homemaker.” Before marriage, she worked at her parents’ business, Mike Matullo Appliance Company. After marriage, she partnered with her husband in their family businesses, City Delivery and Bruno’s Laundry, and served as a teacher’s aide at John F. Kennedy Catholic School. She later worked for G.C. Murphy Co. in the Washington Mall, retiring in 1984, as an assistant buyer. Mrs. Calabro worshipped at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church in Meadowlands. In 2015, she was recognized as a 50-year member of the parish and the Christian Mothers group. Surviving are one son, Patsy (Denise) Calabro, of Washington, and three daughters, Tina (David Steidl) Calabro of Pittsburgh, Cathi (Sam) Lombardo, of Washington, and Cara (Ken) Lytton, of Claysville. She also leaves nine grandchildren, David, Pasquale and Alyese Calabro; Paul and Mark Steidl; Carly Lombardo; Rachel, JoBeth and Aaron Lytton, and 5 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Kendra, Pasquale III, Adele and Finn. Deceased, in addition to her husband, are two brothers, Louis and Anthony Matullo, and one sister, Lucille Cancelmi. Josephine was known for her beautiful spirit and loving nature. She was a joyful and generous person. Everyone enjoyed being with her, and she was the heart of every gathering. She was one of the most genuine people this world has ever seen. Friends will be received on Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from 12 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2016, in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 300 Pike Street, Meadowlands, with Father Carmen D’Amico as Celebrant. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, 300 Pike St., Meadowlands, PA 15347. Additional information and guestbook are available on line at www.NealFuneralHome.com