Josephine Florence (Spennicchia) Buononato

September 5, 1928 – February 8, 2025

Josephine Florence (Spennicchia) Buononato, 96, of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:45 a.m.

Born on September 5, 1928, in Morristown, NJ, Josephine was the daughter of Biagio and Josephine (Merlino) Spennicchia. Josephine grew up in Wharton, NJ and played with her beloved dog Sandy.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph John Buononato; her sister, Antoinette Barone (Anthony); and her eldest son, Joseph John Buononato Jr.

She leaves behind a large and loving family: her children, Valerie Moravec (Otto), Amelia Orrico (John), John Buononato, Blasé Buononato (Kathleen), Vincent Buononato, and JoAnne Buononato. She was a cherished grandmother to Anthony Mannello (Karen), Jason Orrico (Nicole), Joseph Orrico (Brittany), Josephine Starks (Josh), Benedetto Orrico (Brianna), Monica Diffendale (Alex), Thomas Buononato, Dominic Buononato, Jessika Almeida, Junior Almeida (Fernanda), and John Orrico (Renee). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Ellie, Cole, and Emerson Mannello; Tucker, Everly, Taylor, Christian, Vanessa, Nella, Santina, and Gianna Orrico; Jameson Diffendale; Melanie and James Almeida; Jack Starks; and Isaac Almeida.

Josephine found joy in the kitchen, cooking for family, friends, neighbors, and even the priests at her church. She had a secret ingredient that made everything extra delicious—anchovies. "Don't tell the kids, or they won't eat it," she'd say with a wink. After preparing a feast, she would take a brandy to ease her aches, sometimes sharing one with a neighbor. Every dinner began with a prayer, always followed by her blessing the cook.

An artist at heart, Josephine honed her talents at Passaic High School, where she worked on the yearbook committee, contributing photography and layout design. Known for her striking eyes and petite stature, she made up for height with immense strength and determination. She was deeply involved in her church communities wherever she lived, including Wayne, NJ, where she named Our Lady of the Valley RC Church. She devoted countless hours to church events, cooking for breakfasts after Mass, spaghetti dinners, fundraisers, and annual carnivals—her famous zeppole, which she called "crispellas," were always a highlight. She even supervised the painting of the carnival clowns.

A passionate advocate for the unborn, Josephine instilled in her children the importance of protecting life. On Saturday mornings, she would take her daughter JoAnne to peacefully protest outside abortion clinics. The overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 was a moment of triumph for her, a victory for the lives she fought to protect. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was unwavering; she prayed the rosary every morning after Mass and again each night before bed. A rosary was always within reach.

Josephine was a devoted member of numerous church organizations, including the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), The Legion of Mary, The Blue Army, The Columbiettes, and The Madonna Guild. Her artistic talents shone in her work designing programs for church fashion shows, talent shows, and arts and crafts fairs, as well as painting backdrops for performances.

However, her greatest artistry was in the kitchen. If the church was hosting a meal, she was cooking, often alongside her husband, Joe. Holidays and birthdays in the Buononato home were filled with the rich aromas of her legendary dishes—eggplant parmesan, onion pie, baked ziti, and countless other homemade specialties. Nothing compared to the way she woke her family on Sunday mornings: the smell of onions, garlic, and basil simmering on the stove, signaling the start of Sunday gravy.

Josephine's love, faith, and unwavering strength will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace, watching over them with her rosary in hand.

In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to the Students for Life.

A visitation will be held from 3pm to 7pm Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Boynton Memorial Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10am Friday, February 14, 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Boynton Beach. Private interment at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach.