Josephine Eleanor Devita Ricotta

Josephine Eleanor DeVita Ricotta, 96, Rockford, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at River Bluff Nursing Home.She was born in Rockford on October 3, 1914; the daughter of Anthony and Madelena "Lena" (Giacalone) DeVita.She married Vincent Ricotta on June 25, 1949, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.He passed away in Rockford on February 14, 1999. Josephine owned and operated Josephine'¢s Beauty Box, later known as Yolanda'¢s Hairdressing Salon on Grant Ave at Whitman Street in Rockford.She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and the St. Francis DePaul Club.She enjoyed cooking for her potluck group.Survived by her sons, Thomas A. (Kathleen L.) Ricotta and Joseph A. Ricotta, both of Rockford; daughterinlaw, Beatrice Giammarese; grandchildren, Joey, Stephanie, Madalena, Thomas (Elizabeth) and Anthony (Lindsay) Ricotta; 1 greatgrandchild; sistersinlaw, Annette DiSparte, Sylvia Ricotta, Theresa Boriero, and Mary Ricotta; brotherinlaw, Sam (Connie) Ricotta; cousin, Josephine Gregg; numerous nieces and nephews.Predeceased by parents; her husband of 50 years, Vincent; brother, Andrew DeVita , sister, Mary Webb, and sistersinlaw, Mary Morud and Mary DeVita, and cousin, Josephine Martingilio. Special thanks to the staff of the Dove neighborhood at River Bluff for their kindness and care. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 27, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation from 5:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, September 26, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. with the Rosary recited at 7:30pm. Visitation at the church from 9:00am until 10:00am Tuesday. Memorials may be made to the family.Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.