Our beloved mother, Josephine (Tardugno) Vicenzi, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2021, surrounded by love and prayers from her three children and six grandchildren. Josephine ("Jo") was a beautiful person, wife, mother, nana, and friend to scores of people. Her warm, infectious smile, and bright sparkling blue eyes, drew you into her kind, generous heart. She will be so deeply missed and remembered for the joy she brought to everyone she met. Jo was the youngest of 7 children, born to Michael and Maria Tardugno, in October 1928. Jo attended Syracuse University (Utica College division) studying mechanical graphic design. She was active throughout her life as a hospital volunteer (Rose Hospital), various charities and events at Teugega Country Club and Wellesley Country Club and taught church school to junior high school students. Jo married Edward M. Vicenzi (deceased July 2011) in October 1954, at St John The Baptist Church, in Rome, NY. They were married for over 56 years and were blessed with three children and six grandchildren throughout their marriage. Her life centered around her family, church, friends, and her favorite activities. She was a loving, devoted, giving wife, mother, and nana. She was always one to be counted on if someone was in need. It was one of her greatest pleasures to be able to serve others. Jo was an avid golfer, competitive bridge player, passionate dancing partner with Ed, skier, and travel enthusiast. She loved traveling throughout the US, Europe, the Far East, and Australia, to see family and friends, experience new cultures, and embrace historical sites. Jo had a particular fondness for the arts, sports, museums, concerts, and theaters. She and Ed enjoyed the local symphony orchestra, baseball games and golf tournaments later in life. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family with festive foods and stories, bringing laughter and joy to all. Jo made friends easily and adapted to changes with her moves from Upstate NY (Rome NY) to Metro Boston (Wellesley, Ma) to the southeast (Birmingham, AL), to Silver Spring, MD, and finally to the DFW Metroplex (Plano, TX). Jo was a sweet, kind, thoughtful, caring, generous person, who had a grace and style that uplifted others. She was a devout Catholic and regularly attended mass up until her passing. She inspired those around her to be their best and was extremely humble. She leaves her children: Jim and Paula Vicenzi, Mary Beth Kent and David Boroson, and Ed and Sheila Vicenzi; her grandchildren: Sara Vicenzi and Tom Shumway, John Vicenzi, Eric and Kary Kent, Anne Vicenzi, Victoria and Travis Lindsey, and Maria Vicenzi. She also leaves her sister, Bernice Salce, sister-in-law Arlinda Tardugno, many nephews, nieces, and extended family. She was pre-deceased by her siblings Frank Tardugno, Camille Fruin, Carl Tardugno, Dr. Ralph Tardugno, and brother-inlaw Paul Salce. We will celebrate the life of Josephine (Tardugno) Vicenzi with a mass at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church in Birmingham, AL. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Edward. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Arrangements under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home
19310 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
(214) 306-6700