Published in the May 19, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Josephine “Jo” (Proctor) Krasco, 87, of Melrose died peacefully at Life Care Center of Stoneham on May 15, 2017.
Born on Christmas Day, 1929 in Chelsea to Chester and Cecilia (Tomaszewski) Proctor, Jo was raised in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High Class of 1948. She married George (Garabedian) Krasco and was a dedicated mother and homemaker who enjoyed bingo, Foxwoods, playing cards, day trips with the 200 Club and the social activities at the Cochrane House where she lived for nearly 25 years after raising her children in Melrose.
Her New England roots were broad and deep as her father’s lineage goes back to the Mayflower and includes Revolutionary War, 1812 and Civil war soldiers in addition to a founding father of the Town of Chelmsford, a Salem witch and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
She was the beloved wife of the late George Krasco and the loving mother of Linda Brown Krasco of Salem; George and his wife Ann of Wenham; James and his wife Georgia of Melrose; Jayn Krasco Stillson and her husband Dean of Melrose; and Robert and his wife Eleanor of Melrose. She was predeceased by her oldest grandchild, Brian, and remained the proud grandmother of Shaun, Keith, William, Kym, Katherine, Jennifer, Emily, James, Nicholas, Stephanie and Alexandra. She also leaves great-grandchildren Brianna, Alexander, Madison, Makenzie, Matthew, Cole, Hudson and Arya, one great, great-granddaughter, Kaylee and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her sisters, Clare Proctor of Melrose and Theresa Grimaldi of Chelsea, she leaves in-laws Jack Krasco of Stoneham, Richard and Lena Bushell of Weymouth and Edward Costigan of Chelsea. Lastly, she was predeceased by her steadfast companion Anthony Marconi with whom she shared many a laugh.
Visiting hours were Thursday, May 18 from 9-10 a.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, followed by a 10:30 Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose.
Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St., #19, Malden, MA 02148.
To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
