Obituary of Josephine Nerlino

Josephine Nerlino, 89, a native Staten Islander, passed away on December 10, 2018 in her home.  She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Nerlino, loving mother to Mary Gollinge, Joan Nerlino Caddell, Esq., and Karen Scollan; loving mother-in-law of Steven Gollinge, Scott Caddell and James Scollan; cherished grandmother to Alexander Gollinge, the late Christopher Caddell, Ian Caddell, Kathryn Gollinge and Rebecca Scollan; and dear sister of the late Helen Nelson, the late Stanley Backiel and the late Edward Backiel. She is also survived by many family members, including nieces and nephews.

Josephine was born in Staten Island in 1929 and raised in Port Richmond.  She graduated in 3 years from Port Richmond High School and was employed in Manhattan as a secretary.  Josephine married Henry Nerlino and had three daughters.  Settling in Westerleigh to raise her family, Josephine received an Associate Degree from Staten Island Community College.  She attained a position at Wagner College where she was employed for 22 years as Administrative Assistant to the Registrar, during which time all three of her daughters graduated from Wagner College. Josephine was quiet, kind, and generous to her family and to everyone she met.  She always shared her positive spirit, offering hope and strength to all who sought her advice. She was deeply religious throughout her lifetime.  Her favorite pastime was sharing meals on holidays and on Sundays with her family in her home.  According to her children, she could never sit and let someone else do the dishes.  She just had to help even when she was in great pain.  She was giving and selfless right to the very end of her days. She will be sorely missed.    

Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Thursday, departing at 9:15 am.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s R.C. Church at 10 am.  Interment to follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.  Family and friends are asked to visit on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.