Josephine D. Forcella Obituary
Josephine D. Forcella, 99, of Plainville, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 at the Summit of Plantsville. She was the loving wife of the late Domenic Forcella. She was born in Southington on Jan. 12, 1924 the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Audi) D'Agostino. Prior to her retirement Josephine had worked at New Britain Federal Savings and Loan as an Assistant Manager. Josephine was dedicated to her family, devoted to her church and active in the community. Whether it was typing school reports, addressing envelopes or going to dance lessons her family knew they had her support. The love of photos was something Josey had and handed down to her children. She was often the person with a camera and asked to take the picture. Something she did as she served as publicity chair for various groups. Early on she won a GE photo contest with a Christmas pic of daughter JoAnne. Married during WWII she left Connecticut for the first time to live on military bases in Avon Park FL and Walla Walla, WA. She supported her children as a Brownie leader and Den Mother. Later she was a CCD teacher. Active in the Jr Women's Club, she often was the publicity person. It was also where the family learned of "Rummage Sales.". She served as a Trustee for Our Lady of Mercy parish and was an early Eucharistic Minister visiting shut-ins with her husband as her chauffeur. She was often seen reading on the TV Mass with a crowd of OLM friends in attendance. Strangers would stop her and call her by name. Just to tell her how much they enjoyed the Mass when she read. Josey attended daily Mass until Covid hit. She participated in Our Lady of Mercy Guild. Along with her husband, they co-chaired the Parish Ball. Her work for the Church was acknowledged when she was awarded the St. Joseph's medal from the Archbishop. She was an Angel collector with friends bringing her angel pins from their travels. Often one could find a cat as part of the household. A love that stemmed from her childhood. Friends who took kittens figured they must be Italian because they ate Macaroni. She was active in the community as well. When her husband entered politics so did she. She worked elections and served on the Strong Fund and helped in the early days of the Plainville Food Pantry. In her run for public office Josey was elected a Town Selectman. She also spent a week in Washington as part of Sen Chris Dodd's Senior Intern Program. Many family and friends would enjoy her kitchen skills. Whether it was raisin nut cookies, pecan tassies or pizzelles with her special filling. Hosting many a pasta dinner that have people remembering her meatballs to this day. Like many in Connecticut, she was a fan of UConn Women's basketball. Meeting Geno and Kathy Auriemma made her a bigger fan and penpal with Geno. He would send her team pictures and the team yearbook. In recent years Jo took to attending blues concerts with her children. At 90 plus years she could be seen in nightclubs and concert halls enjoying the blues and making new friends. She is survived by her loving children Domenic Forcella and JoAnne Forcella both of Plainville as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank the staffs of the Summit at Plantsville, Mulberry Gardens Memory Daycare Unit and Athena Hospice for their kindness and consideration. Also thank you to the Bristol Emergency Room staff for their thoroughness and compassion.
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, Nov.15th at 11 am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 92 Broad St. Plainville. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Plainville. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4-7 pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N.Main.
