Obituary of Josephine Firriolo

Josephine Firriolo, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Morristown Medical Center. She was 93.

Josephine is survived by one daughter, Michelle Goodwin and her husband Bruce; one son, Michael Firriolo and his wife Linda; 6 cherished grandchildren, Mackenzie, Andrew, Jennette, Macintyre and her husband Oliver, Mackaella and Macclaren; one expected great-granddaughter; one sister, Florence Drimalas; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends at the Madison Senior Citizen’s Building.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Sebastian “Buddy” Firriolo in 2018; two brothers who were lost in World War II, Joe and Ray Salvo; three other brothers, Tony, Mario and Frank Salvo; and one sister, Sarah Salvo.

Josephine was born on September 27, 1932 to the late Stefano and Flavia Salvo. She was raised in Manhattan, until the family moved to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn when she was young.

As a young woman, Josephine worked in the mimeograph room at the Raymond James Corporation in Manhattan. She and her husband Buddy were married and settled in Queens, where they raised their family. Josephine was a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother who did all she could to make life wonderful for her family.

An extraordinary cook and baker, Josephine learned from her mother and treasured the family recipes that were dear to her. She made countless cookies and baked goods for the holidays and continued to bake in her later years. She prepared beautiful holiday meals that the family will always remember, creating warmth and joy at every gathering.

Seeking to be closer to family and grandchildren, Josephine and Buddy moved to Madison, where she lived for twenty years and built many special friendships. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and she cherished quiet hours spent solving puzzles, playing bingo at Chateau Thierry and shuffleboard at the Madison Elks Lodge.

Josephine will be deeply missed. She had a good heart and lived for her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Josephine on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A funeral service will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home during the visitation led by Fr. Owen B. Moran.

Interment will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.