Josephine Gioiella

Josephine Gioiella, a long-time resident of Southport, CT passed away peacefully on October 8, 2020. Born 92 years ago in New York, she was the daughter of Frank and Antoinette Pontillo.

Early on Josephine worked in retail sales then became a homemaker when she married Henry Gioiella, Sr. a WWII veteran (deceased 1995).

She was an excellent cook who enjoyed cruises and visits to Mohegan Sun but her greatest joy in life was being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Josephine's greatest strength was helping others. She was a Premier Circle patron of the non-profit organization Smile Train providing operations for over 50 children around the world with cleft lips and palates, which enabled them to live full and productive lives.

Josephine was a compassionate person with an open heart and infectious smile. She will be sadly missed by all, but she will also be joyfully remembered by her son Henry Gioiella and his wife Joan; son Edward Gioiella and his partner Ed Mitchell; her grandson David Gioiella and his wife Annalee; and her two beautiful great grandchildren Luca and Asher.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smile Train at www.smiletrain.org, in Josephine's name.

A mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 10 a.m.

To offer condolences, please visit www.spearfuneralhome.com.