Obituary: Josephine Banafato, 101, of Matawan

Josephine Banafato, 101, of Matawan, passed away Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at home. Born in Manhattan, she resided in Union Beach and Keyport before moving to Matawan in 1929. She worked as a seamstress in Matawan. Josephine was a member of the Catholic Daughters; Club 60 of Matawan; Leisure Club; and the Altar Rosary Society. She was a great cook, and a caring person, who welcomed everyone into her home.

Josephine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank Banafato; her parents, Salvatore and Palma Privetera Strano; and a son, Salvatore Banafato. She is survived by her loving children, Joseph Banafato and his wife, Nancy of PA; Salvatore's wife, Joan Banafato of Carteret; Virginia McQuarrie and her husband, Donald of Matawan; and Frank Banafato and his wife, Donna of Cliffwood; a dear sister, Irene Holtz of CA; 13 cherished grandchildren; and 33 precious great- grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport; and 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 at the funeral home, with a 9:15 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph R.C. Church, Keyport. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Keyport. To offer the family online condolences or for directions to the funeral home, please visit www.dayfuneralhome.com.