Josephine Raia Service Details - Bronx, New York | Sisto Funeral Home, Inc.

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Josephine
Raia

April 15, 1926 – November 25, 2018

Josephine Raia
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— Sisto Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary for Josephine Raia

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It is with deep sorrow and fond memories that we celebrate the life of Marie Josephine Raia, affectionately known as "Josie". She was born on April 15, 1926 in the Bronx, New York to Giovanni and Maria Carmela Basile Albrizio. She passed away at her home in the Bronx on the morning of November 25, 2018. She graduated from Jane Adams High school in the Bronx and received a scholarship to attend the Julliard School of Music. She worked at the American Bank Note for a few years until she married. On May 29, 1949 she married Anthony Raia. Together they had seven children. Josephine loved to sing, play the piano and the guitar.

Josephine was involved in ministry for many years. She gave of her time (always serving others), talent (musician) and treasure (the Word of God). She served as a church and band pianist at the Italian Christian Church on East 188th Street, Bronx. She also served as a church pianist as well as part of the Women's Ministry, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher at the Van Nest Assembly of God Church, 755 Rhinelander Avenue, Bronx. Josie ministered in multiple nursing homes, playing the piano and singing. She was a musical mentor and teacher to her children (five daughters and two sons). They in turn ministered to others. Josephine was an intricate part of the "Potter's House", a ministry outreach to people bound by addictions and other dependencies.

Josie shared the Lord, her love and her laughter with everyone. God and family were very important to her. She loved to sing and play the piano. No one could play and sing "A Happy Birthday To You" like Josie! She loved meditating on the word of God. She loved to eat (especially Enzo's food and Mallowmars). When eating one of Enzo's specialties, she would say, "Enzo, this is delicious. I didn't eat this in a long time" even though she may have eaten it just a week earlier.

She loved to serve! She actually wanted to become a missionary and she was; the mission field came right to her kitchen where she served people and shared the gospel. The coffee pot (Maxwell House) was always perking in Josie's kitchen. She had a dry sense of humor, a gorgeous smile and a contagious laugh that made all that stepped into her kitchen feel better before they left. She was notorious for writing out scripture verses on index cards and strategically placing them on the refrigerator for all to view. Here are just a few: 1 Corithians 15:33 "Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good manners", and Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths". She loved spending time with her sister, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, and of course all of her extended family members and friends.

Josie is survived by her loving sister Frances Albrizio Forzano; four of her daughters, two sons and their spouses: Theresa Marie Raia Hoffman and Alan Harry Hoffman; and David Wyns; Lois Raia Lombardi and Enzo Matthew Lombardi; JoAnne Raia Caroprese and Ferdinand Philip Caroprese; Ruth Raia Lombardi and David Nicholas Lombardi; John Mark Raia; Daniel Raia and Denise Raia. She was preceded in death by her daughter Marie Raia Wyns. Josie is also survived by eight grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew Carmine Lombardi and Lisa Lombardi; Sharon Jo Hoffman Giovaniello and Gregory Giovaniello; David John Lombardi and Crystal Gail Lombardi; Frances Marie Hoffman Santiago and Edward Antonio Santiago; Maria Lombardi Egan and Patrick John Maurice Egan; Sarah Ruth Lombardi; Grace Josephine Lombardi; Gerard Roman and Amanda Roman. Josie also had the blessing of 6 great grandchildren, Jesse Santiago; Lucy Jo Santiago; Michel Virgilio Santiago; Luca Enzo Lombardi; Harrison Gregory Giovaniello; Isabella Rose Egan.

Josie's life touched so many people, including the doctors, nurses and medical staff that tended to her needs. As she was waiting to be taken into surgery to mend her hip (this past January), she said to the anesthesiologist, "You are so handsome!" Then she looked him straight in his eyes and with boldness in her voice she said, "Doctor, man's ways are not God's ways. (She lifted up her arms) God's ways are higher than man's ways." A few hours later that same Doctor came out of surgery and said to the family with excitement in his voice, "She made it! Your mom has a beautiful joyful spirit!"

Josie was always praising the Lord and always encouraging others to not only praise the Lord, but to know the Lord and serve the Lord! Josie shared her time, talent and treasure. She had a joyful spirit. She shared her Lord, her love and her laughter. What a life lesson for all of us and what a legacy she left!

Josie will be greatly missed by her many friends and family members.



Psalm 125:1-2

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever."

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Visitation

When Wednesday, November 28th, 2018 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Location
Van Nest Assembly Of God Church
Address
755 Rhinelander Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462

Service Information

When
Thursday, November 29th, 2018 9:30am
Location
Van Nest Assembly of God Church
Address
755 Rhinelander Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462

Interment Information

Location
Kensico Cemetery
Address
273 Lakeview Avenue
Valhalla, NY 10595
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