Josephine Trafficante

Born Tampa, Florida March 24, 1920

Departed this Life May 13, 2015

Josephine Marchese Trafficante, 95, died peacefully in her sleep, Wednesday morning at her home. She was born on March 24, 1920. She was a native of Tampa, a second-generation Sicilian immigrant who grew up in Ybor city.

She lived an exciting life dividing her time between her multiple family members and friends in Tampa, Miami and Havana. She was a wonderful cook, and she loved to crochet and travel with her husband, but she lived her life for her family. For the last 20 years, everyone knew her as JuJu. She touched all who knew her, and upon meeting her, she would embrace you, and you would instantly become part of the family. She was an amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She handled great adversity and difficult, troubling times with grace, dignity, and style; with respect and love for all around her. She was the Matriarch of the Trafficante Family; and we will all miss her presence, guidance, love and affection.

She was predeceased in death, by other loving family members. Passing before her were her parents Antonino and Sarafina Marchese; her beloved husband Santo Trafficante Jr.; her son-in-law’s Augie Paniello and Richard Valdes; and her brothers, Bennie Marchese, Tommy Marchese, and Peter Marchese.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jo Paniello and Sarah Ann Valdes; her grandchildren, Dr. Santo Paniello and wife Susan; Dina Smith and husband Don; Melissa Castellana and husband John; and Valerie Cordell and husband Ian; her great-grandchildren, Michael Sierra, Elizabeth Paniello, Sam Paniello, Christopher Paniello, Christina Castellana, Augie Castellana, Alexa Cordell, Anna Cordell Drew Smith, Allison Hunt and husband Joey; as well as endless extended family.

Pallbearers are Augie Castellana, Sam Paniello, Christopher Paniello, Anthony B. Marchese, Peter Marchese Jr., Ian Cordell, Don Smith, Frank “Pancho” Trafficante, John Castellana, and Dr. Santo Paniello.

Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Castellana, Malio Iavarone, Frank“Cookie” Fava, Antonino Marchese, Derek Iavarone, Frank Albano, Drew Smith, Joey Hunt, Michael Sierra, Tony Marchese, Peter Albano, Mario Pullara, Frank Miranda, Dino Trafficante, and Joseph Trafficante.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Italian Club of Tampa Cemetery Fund, 1731 East 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 16th, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, with service to follow at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL. Services will be followed by a graveside service at the Italian Club Cemetery and a reception at the family home.