Josephine Z. D'Orsi

Josephine (Zocco) D'Orsi, 87, of West Hartford, gently passed away at home on March 30, 2014. Josephine was born in New Britain, CT to Salvatore and Francesca (Amato) Zocco. She moved to Hartford at a young age and fondly remembered her youth in Frog Hollow. She went on to earn her BA from Hillyer College, her MA in Education from Trinity College, and her MA in Education Curriculum and Administration from the University of Connecticut. Josephine began her 40-year career in education in 1953 at Wilmington, VT High School, teaching and commuting back and forth to Hartford to pursue her Masters degree. Her experience in VT led to a lifelong love of that state, where she and her family would later share countless wonderful times together. She then taught at Cheshire High School, followed by many years in Hartford, at Weaver, Bulkeley and Hartford High Schools. She retired after serving as District Chairperson of the Business Department for 23 years, and was among the first women to hold an administrative position in the Hartford school system. She was recognized as one of the Outstanding Secondary Educators of America, in 1973. In addition to her work as a teacher, she and her husband co-owned the Wethersfield Supermarket and several laundromats in the Hartford area. As a student at Trinity College, she met the love of her life and future husband, Lawrence. They settled in West Hartford, and were very proud to have been the first to buy land on the street where Josephine would raise her family and live for the remainder of her life. She leaves her children: Lawrence and his wife Alicia, of West Hartford; Gregory, of Agawam, MA; Denise Woodruff and her husband Stephen, of West Simsbury; Leslie Romano and Stephen Carr, of West Hartford. She leaves seven grandchildren, all of whom adored their Grandma Jo: Bradley Woodruff, Allison Woodruff, Matthew D'Orsi, Alexandra D'Orsi, Kelly Romano, Lauren Romano, and Dylan Romano. She leaves her sister Anne Murphy, of Niantic, and Anne's children Pamela Stevens, Karen Murphy and Lauren Avery. She also leaves her in-laws Anna and Dominic Cassella, Nicholas and Irene D'Orsi, and Vincent and Marlene D'Orsi, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she adored. Josephine leaves many friends, and had special memories of her dear lifelong friends from the "Cutie Nu's" and the "New Haven Crowd." She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence, her son-in-law, Michael Romano, and her brother-in-law, Joseph Murphy and her niece Elene D'Orsi. Josephine spent her retirement traveling, enjoying friends, cooking and being everyone's Grandma Jo. Her Sunday pasta dinners were legendary, where family, old friends, and new friends were always welcome to come to enjoy great food and great company. The D'Orsi family would like to extend a special thanks to her wonderful neighbor, Mike, for his friendship and kindness over the years. Calling hours will be on Thursday, April 3rd, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 4th, at 10:00 AM, at the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street, West Hartford. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. For online condolences and directions please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com