Josephine "Josie" Chillura

Josie Chillura, 103, born Nov. 2, 1918, a West Tampa Native that loved and was proud of her family, friends, and Tampa. She lived the American Dream (for 99 years in the same neighborhood before moving in with her son) coming from an immigrant family that worked hard, loved greatly and treated everyone with respect. She loved working for and retiring from the J.C. Neuman Cigar Company. For years, she would treat her family to some of the best authentic Sicilian dishes for Thursday night dinners with ingredients picked right from her backyard garden (known for giving away buckets of mangoes and avocados.). For fun, she loved playing Bingo with longtime friends, and jaunts to Las Vegas to try and win earnings from the "one armed bandits", walking at Al Lopez Park, and watching her Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She especially enjoyed her trips to Santo Stefano di Quisquina to meet her extended family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Santo and Maria Chillura; her brothers, Tony, Jimmy and Louie Chillura; as well as her husband, Anthony "Nino" Chillura; and son, Santo Crawford.

Josie is survived by her son, Louie Crawford; grandchildren, Louie (Danielle) Crawford, Angela (Chris) Stone, Anthony (Windsor) Crawford, Steven (Theresa) Crawford, and Scott (Sara) Crawford; great-grandchildren, Jason, Ryan, Ava, Landon, Gavin, Henry, Luke, Stella and Carter.

Her family would like to thank the people that took care of her during her final years, especially Rosa Pena.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, her longtime neighbors, or to the charity of your choice.

Burial will be at the L'Unione Italiana Cemetery Mausoleum (2520 E. 24th Avenue in Tampa) with arrangements being made through Gonzalez Funeral Home.