JOSEPHINE CLERICO

Funeral Mass was offered March 4 at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Rutherford, for Josephine Clerico, 92. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 26. Josephine was born in Hoboken to Maria (nee Detullo) and Salvatore Altomare. She attended A.J. Demarest High School where she excelled in academics graduating at 16 years old. Josephine decided to continue her education and graduated from Business School. She pursued a career at Alco-Gravure Publications as a Cost Accountant and unknowingly would meet the love of here life there her late husband of 26 years Al Elver Clerico, and settled in North Bergen. After retiring Josephine and Al decided to partner up with their niece and nephew, Martha and Ralph Rufino and owned Spot Liquors for 10 years. Josephine and Al loved spending time with family especially their nieces and nephews, Martha, Ralph, Donna, Ralph Jr., and Doneen Ruffino. Whether it was vacationing, celebrating holidays, or relaxing at home spending time with their favorite Aunt Jo will always be remembered. After Al’s passing, she moved to Rutherford to be closer to her family and help raise her cherished grand nieces and nephews, Nicole, Rebecca, Nico, and Deanna. Josephine was a devout parishioner and was known for her bright smile and kindness to all who knew her. She is predeceased by her brothers, Charlie, Lawrence, and Pat, and sisters Anna and Mary. Services arranged by the Failla-McKnight Memorial Home, Hoboken.