Published June 28, 2019
MELROSE — Josephine V. (Riccio) Crescenzi, 86, longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, June 21, 2019 at her home.
Born in Boston on September 29, 1932, Josephine is one of six children of the late Carmine and Angela (Saurino) Riccio. She became employed as a seamstress in her youth, and became exceedingly talented at it. She always enjoyed making her children and grandchildren clothes and costumes. She was also a proud hairdresser.
She would meet her beloved Dante Crescenzi at a dance at the old Ocean View Dance Hall in Revere. They were married on June 14, 1953. She and Dante loved to dance. She was unbelievably graceful. There wasn’t a dance she couldn’t do. Sometimes other couples would take a seat just so they could watch Josephine and Dante dance.
Family was everything to Josephine. She was especially active in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, rarely missing a function they had. She loved to cook, and enjoyed having her home full of her loved ones. If the house wasn’t filled with the sweet scent of a delicious meal, it was filled with her love and warmth. She truly loved being a homemaker.
She was a longtime member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield, was an avid soap opera fan, enjoyed gardening, and always looked forward to taking a trip to the Caribbean.
Josephine’s generosity and big heart touched many throughout her life, as did her strength and sense of humor. She will be deeply missed.
Josephine is the beloved wife of the late Dante Crescenzi with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Dante C. Crescenzi of Melrose, and Denise A. Crescenzi Muse and her husband John of Middleton. Dear sister of Anna Avellino and her late husband John of Revere, Dorothy Dantona Sava and her husband Frank of Winthrop, Joseph Riccio and his wife Lillian of Framingham, John Riccio and his wife Rosemary of Duxbury, and the late Pasquale “Sonny” Riccio. Cherished grandmother of David James Gallugi and his wife Laura, Gregory Paul Gallugi and his wife Ashley, Kayla Ann Hensley and her husband Jacob “Jake,” and great-grandmother of Brianna, Josephine, and Jonathan. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Josephine’s life for her funeral Mass celebrated at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, on Thursday, June. 27. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
