Josephine Tripi Damico

Josephine Damico, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, 100, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2006, at Jordan’s Nursing Home in Bridgman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, September 8, 2006, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor with Fr. Bill Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., on Thursday, September 7, 2006, with a Rosary at 7:30 P.M., at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to SS John-Bernard Parish. Friends may send the family a condolence message or sign the guest book on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com. Josephine was born to John and Virginia Tripi on August 28, 1906, in Chicago, IL. On April 14, 1924, she married Thomas “Tony” Damico and together they raised a loving family. Josephine was a member of St. John-St. Bernard Parish and of the altar society. She and Tony worked at the bingo games. Josephine loved preparing big meals for the holidays and family gatherings. She was a great baker, collecting hundreds of recipes, an avid reader and she enjoyed crocheting and needle work. For twelve years Josephine was the prime care giver when her mother suffered a stroke. Josephine leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Lorraine Polfus and Virginia Baldwin of Benton Harbor; one son, Philip G. Damico of St. Joseph; fifthteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; and fifthteen great-great-grandchildren. Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; a son, Philip Thomas; two infants; sister Mary Tripi; four brothers, Tom, James, Joseph and Louis Tripi; daughter-in-law, Patricia Damico and son-in-law Robert Polfus and two baby granddaughters – Debbie Damico and Baby Polfus. Josephine was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends.