Josephine Emolo (nee Bastante), 73, of Lincoln Park, NJ, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family, on May 21, 2025.

Josephine was born on September 18, 1951 in Floridia, Sicily, Italy, came to the United States in 1955, and settled in Paterson before moving to Woodland Park in the 1960s. She had been a resident of Lincoln Park for the past two years, living in Wayne and Totowa prior to that. She was the daughter of the late Paulo Bastante and the late Giuseppa (nee Modesto) Bastante.

Josephine worked as a legal secretary for many years before retiring to care for her mother.

She was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Lincoln Park.

She is survived by her husband, of 52 years, Stephen Emolo of Lincoln Park; son Thomas Emolo of Highlands, daughter Christine Holmberg and her husband Dave of Totowa; sisters Tina Vatrano and husband Paul of Lincoln Park, Diane Grimes and husband Joseph of Pompton Plains; brother Frank Bastante and his wife Sylvia of Fairfield; granddaughter Samantha Emolo, and grandsons Dylan, Casey, and Shane Holmberg. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother Carmen Bastante and her daughter-in-law Christine Emolo.

Josephine devoted her life to caring for her family and was the most giving, selfless person anyone could have had the pleasure of knowing. She exuded kindness and empathy to all who crossed her path and knew how to show her family love better than anyone else could. She and her family were especially grateful to her wonderful caregivers, Allison and Odetta, who gave her the best quality of life possible in her final months.

Funeral from Keri-Lozito Funeral Home, 125 Main Street, Lincoln Park, NJ on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM.  Funeral Mass at St. James of the Marches R.C. Church, 32 St. James Place, Totowa, NJ at 10 :30 AM. Visitation on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4-8 PM. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Josephine’s honor to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.