Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Please refer to obituaries for information on visitations, funeral services and requests by the family or deceased for honoring their memory.

Josephine Macri Ripepi

Passed April 21, 2022

Text:

Obituary For Josephine Macri Ripepi

Josephine Macri Ripepi was born Josephine Pauline in Brooklyn, New York, on the first day of January to Benedetta (Giacobbe) and Vincent James 'Jim' Macri. The daughter of Sicilian and Calabrese immigrants, Josephine grew up in New York City with her brothers Vincent and James, and her cousin Veronica LaRocca Mezzina. She married Philip Pasquale Ripepi, M.D. on November 13, 1960 at the famous Garden City Hotel on Long Island, New York. The couple settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was blessed with five children, Dr. Laurie Sangimino (Dr. Mark), Dr. Antonio (Michelle), Dr. Vincent (Jodi), Benedetta Quinn (Rob), and Philip (Dr. Sarah). Their children gave them 21 beautiful and cherished grandchildren, Julianne, Joseph, Victoria, Marissa, Vincent, Megan, Nicholas, Robby, Claudia, Philip, Sophia, Sam, Lillie, Luciano, Andrew, Natalie, Antonio, Christian, John, Mark, and Eric.

Josephine was known as “Jo” to her close friends and as “Grammy” to her grandchildren. She loved reading books and watching movies, especially mysteries. She will famously be remembered for her sense of humor and extremely quick wit. Josephine was an amazing regional Italian cook, often making enough food on holidays to feed 50 people, and everyone was always welcomed in her home. She also enjoyed going out to eat; it was not unusual for her to order a large plate of nachos at the Pens games and finish the whole thing. Josephine was always happiest immersed in the chaos of holidays, with her children and grandchildren all around her, and her husband at the head of the table. She and her cherished sisters-in-law, Lauretta Legeza, Frances Bazzano, and Ellie Ripepi, shared countless memories at bountiful family gatherings. Josephine loved traveling with her family, including trips to southern Italy with her children, to Rome with her lifelong best friend Eda Dean, to Montana with her grandchildren, and to Spain and Scotland with her husband Philip. She loved fashion, and will always be remembered as a beautiful and glamorous woman with impeccable taste, an interest she shared with her beloved sister-in-law, Gay Macri. Above all, she deeply loved her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her godchildren, and her friends, many of whom she also referred to as “family.” Josephine passed away peacefully in the same home she shared with her husband and children for over 40 years. While she will be greatly missed, her family finds peace knowing that she joins her adoring husband of 56 years in Heaven.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, Monday, April 25, 2022, 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Funeral Prayer on Tuesday morning at 9:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Germaine Church at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, Josephine's family suggests contributions to Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 9024, Pittsburgh, PA 15224.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • April 26, 2022

    Amy Bunger

    Dr. Ripepi (Antonio), We loved reading about your absolutely beautiful and vibrant mother. As a grandmultiparous, she shared and bestowed on her family many traits that we embrace--the welcome of everyone and the desire to feed the masses as well! We are so sorry to hear of your loss, and thank your family for sharing this lovely tribute. Lending you strength, Amy and Brandt Bunger

  • April 26, 2022

    Susan and Ralph Sabatini

    Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a great lady.

  • April 26, 2022

    Sherri Pruce

    Vince and family, Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. While I never met her, I know she must have been an amazing lady to raise such an incredible family. I am unable to attend today for my own family issues but please know that I am keeping you close in thoughts and prayers as you send your mom to her eternal resting place. God bless. Sherri Pruce

  • April 25, 2022

    Bobbi Rossi

    Love and prayers to such a wonderful family.

  • April 25, 2022

    Marilyn Gualtieri

    She was someone special in our life. Great memories making Easter pies with her and always enjoying her company. John and Marilyn Gualtieri.

  • April 24, 2022

    Dee Beagle

    Jo was a special lady. She was always kind and caring. She was always so down to earth. We spent a lot of time having special conversation while caring for her mother. I will miss her deeply. May she Rest In Peace