Josephine Blackwell, of Derby entered into rest on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Bishop Wicke with her loving children by her side.
She was born in Derby, daughter of the late Saverio and Rose (Carraturo) Mingrone and was a lifelong Derby resident. Josephine was a self-taught organist who played for various churches. She was a well known soprano soloist in the Naugatuck Valley. Josephine was the chorus director for 18 years at Doyle Senior Center and also directed and organized choruses at various senior centers. She had a love for music. Most of all, she cherished her children and loved spending time with her family.
Josephine was the beloved mother of Sheila (Blackwell) Liska and Daniel Blackwell, Jr., mother-in-law of Richard Lim and the late Walter Liska, grandmother of Cody and Shannon Liska, great grandmother of Kaiden Perez and sister-in-law of Nina Mingrone. She was also survived by several nieces and nephews. Josephine was predeceased by four brothers, Jim (Mingrone) Morgan, Bill Mingrone, Tony Mingrone and Alfred Mingrone and three sisters, Kay Sampiere, Mary Ferrara and Jennie Karpovich.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bishop Wicke for their exceptional care and compassion for Josephine.
Friends are invited to her memorial mass on Friday, April 11th at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 212 Elizabeth St., Derby.
The Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby has been entrusted with her arrangements. Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
