Josephine Santella

93, of Seminole, Florida was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Florida in 1973. Josephine was a beautician by trade and had her own beauty shop on Long Island, New York, for many years. Healthy and exuberant all her life, Josephine was active as a volunteer at Bardmoor Medical Center for many years. She loved ballroom dancing and continued to dance up until she got sick at the age of 93.

Family meant everything to Josephine. She was a surrogate mom to everyone she met. If she liked you, she would let you know it. Mom never met a stranger. She was a tiny woman with a huge personality that everyone was instantly attracted to.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Michael R. Santella; and her son, Francis Santella.

Josephine is survived by her daughter, Roseann Santella (Russell Davis) of St. Petersburg, FL; her son, Nicholas Santella (Barbara Wilkosz Santella) of Charlotte, NC; her loving and devoted companion of four years, James Beecher; her six loving grandchildren, Vincent Santella (Marisol), Danielle Santella, Jessica Santella Hassrannah (Joseph), Michael Santella (Maria), Tara Santella Lake (Jesse) and Frankie Santella; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Santella; two beloved nieces, Victoria Bryant (Michael) and Theresa Pellegrino; and all of her dear girlfriends whom she loved spending time with.

The service may be viewed at www.centralbaymarket.com on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 11am. The service password is Josephine9052

The virtual room will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled service start time. Please note that the start of the live webcast will begin when the actual service begins.

Testimonials:

Josephine.

My first thought…

When I was first introduced into the Wilkosz family in the early 90’s I heard about the Santellas and the close relationship you all shared. When I met Josephine (and Mike and all the ‘kids’) I felt incredibly ‘at home’ and immediately part of the family. Josephine welcomed me with open arms – literally. I can still remember her warm embrace, mischievous twinkle in her eye and her love of family – no matter how extended we were. Her easy laugh was contagious and you couldn’t help but smile and feel loved when you were with her. I loved everything about her immediately and remember vividly telling my sisters and parents how wonderful this family was and how lucky to have them as part of this new family.

My love, respect and admiration for Josephine only deepened over the years especially the years following my own Mother’s passing. She was the perfect combination of a Mom and Friend… couldn’t have asked for a more special person to fill that void in my life. It warms my heart to know we built a special bond that will forever be one of life’s most treasured memories for me.

God bless you Josephine.

I hope you can rest peacefully knowing you brought so much happiness and love to me and so many others you have touched Dear, Sweet Josephine.

I will miss you… always and forever.

Love,

April

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Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words about your Mom. " Fifty-seven years ago, I was blessed by my parents to have Josephine and Michael Santella as my Godparents. "Aunt Jo" has always been a mentor, role model and great friend to me my entire life. Her sense of humor and love of life will always be a part of me. I hope that she and Uncle Mike are celebrating their reunion and that they will always know how much I love them.

Regards, Karen

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One of my fondest memories was when I was growing up after school I would run over to Aunt Jo’s house and stay there until my mother and father came home from work. ~Terry

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My Aunt was always there for me. I could call her any time and she would listen to me vent and she would always say something to make me feel better. I will miss her very much. ~Vicki

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Mama Jo,

I will never forget how you warmly welcomed me the first time we met. I remember the wonderful twinkle in your eye as you smiled and laughed. You made me feel loved and appreciated from that first day!

I wish we had had more time together. The times we were together were so special! Thank you for giving your son his wonderful sense of humor, so much like yours! Please take good care of Frankie for me …. at least he is together with you and his dad. I will never forget you and will always love you!

Forever,

Jennifer