Josephine Monterosso

Josephine was born in Augusta, Sicily to Giuseppe and Santa Piazza on June 23, 1915 
and died peacefully with her family at her side in SF, July 18, 2009. She came to the 
U.S. at the age of 13, settling first in Detroit, MI, and then to S.F. in 1931. She married 
Louis Monterosso in 1935 and raised four children. She was preceded in death by her 
loving husband of 58 years. She is survived by two of her children, Mario (Nancy) 
Monterosso and Rose (Frank) Bisbiglia. Preceding her in death was her son Joseph 
and daughter Sandra. Also predeceased by her daughters-in-law Joanne and Betty. 
Josephine is also survived by her sister, Lena Betti, brothers, Joe (Ann) Piazza, Charles 
(Marie) Piazza, Anthony Piazza and Thomas (Janet) Piazza. Her brothers, Sam and 
Dominic, sisters-in-law Ardith, Shirley and brother-in-law Anthony preceded her in death. 
Her loving family also includes 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and numerous 
nieces, nephews and cousins. Affiliations include St. Elizabeth's 55 Plus Club, Societa 
Di San Domenico, and the Italian Catholic Federation. Josephine was an excellent 
cook and took great pleasure in watching family and friends enjoy her meals. She was 
a lifelong S.F. Giants fan, enjoyed her gambling days in Reno and Tahoe and later the 
poker and bingo games with her family, friends, and her companions at Vintage Senior 
Living. The family would like to thank the staff at Vintage and also the staff at UCSF 
Hospital, who cared for her during her final days. Friends may visit after 4:00 p.m. and 
are invited to attend the Vigil Service on Thursday, July 23rd, at 7:00 p.m. and the 
Funeral Service on Friday, July 24th at 10:00 a.m., from the Chapels of Valente Marini 
Perata & Co., 4840 Mission St., S.F. thence to Saint Elizabeth's Catholic Church 
(Corner of Somerset & Waylaid Sts., S.F.) where a 10:30 a.m. Church Mass will be 
celebrated. Committal to follow at the Italian Cemetery in Colma, Ca. In lieu of flowers, 
donations may be sent to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be 
offered at vmpandco.com 

Published in San Francisco Chronicle from 7/22 to 7/23/2009