Obituary of Josephine Ciulla

OBITUARY – Josephine LaBita Ciulla – 1923 to 2020 Josephine LaBita Ciulla Passes at 97 After a Wonderful Life. On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, Josephine (Jay) Ciulla, passed peacefully with loved ones by her side at Juniper Village in Chatham, New Jersey. Born in Staten Island in 1923, the youngest of 9 children, Josephine graduated from McKee HS and became a hairdresser where she put her sense of style and grace to work. An active member of St Rita’s church for most of her life, she lived next door to the church on Bradley Avenue until 1947, when she married Joseph Ciulla once he returned from World War II after serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Of all that she loved in life, family and dear friends were the sources of her greatest joy. She was an amazing cook and prepared the most delicious meals that kept loved ones gathered together around the dinner table for hours. During their 66 years of marriage, Jay and Joe raised three children and built their successful business, Typewriter Sales & Service of S. I. Once retired, they were involved members of St. Rita’s Golden Age Club, where they served as President and Vice President together. They loved to travel with family and friends to places including Europe, Panama, the Caribbean and Mexico. Josephine has been described as the kindest person in the world; a special woman with no prejudice or judgement against anyone. She lived life with love and light, finding kind words for everyone, always smiling and sharing her love. In 2013 after the death of her husband, Josephine moved to Juniper Village in Chatham NJ. She made many friends there, engaged in all activities and was known for her warm hearted kindness, and loving smile. Josephine is predeceased by her husband, parents, and eight siblings. She is survived by her children John Ciulla (Patti), Maria Ciulla Chernock (Joe), JR Ciulla, and Joe B., her grandchildren, Brad (wife Diana and great-grandson Michael), Dana, and Rob Schwall (wife Kim and great-grandsons Robert John, Chris, Louis), cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. Due to the pandemic, on December 29th a private service was held at Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung, NJ only for the immediate family followed by entombment at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens. Tribute donations in honor of Josephine Ciulla can be made to Roots & Wings, 75 Bloomfield Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834 https://rootsandwingsnj.org/ a nonprofit providing aged out foster youth an opportunity for a better life.