Hitting the century mark

Josephine Pitocco, a former Inwood resident, celebrated her 100th birthday on Aug. 20 surrounded by five children, 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren at Da Nicola, in Hewlett, owned by her grandson, Nicky Scarcella.

Josephine Giuseppina Pitocco (née Castrovilla) was born on Aug. 20, 1917 in Montemelone, Provincia di Potenza, a small town in Italy. She came to the U.S. on May 24, 1969 with her husband Benjamin Pitocco and four of her five children. The oldest daughter was married and living in Northern Italy.  

She had two brothers, Anthony and Frank, already living in New York. They sponsored the family and helped them get settled. Josephine raised her family in Inwood. Her youngest son was 9, and she was a stay-a- home mother for many years.  

In the 1970s, she worked at a local garment factory as a seamstress, but her life was dedicated to her family. Josephine and the family attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, also in Inwood, since their arrival and some of her grandchildren are still part of the parish.

Her husband, Benjamin, died in 1993, but she has remained the center of her family. She was happy and moved by the celebration, and excited to see the whole family together. Her family feels blessed to have their mom, grandma and great-grandma still in their lives and celebrating life’s milestones with them. God Bless Grandma!