Josephine A. Drapala

Josephine A. Drapala, of Mount Holly, passed away at her residence on November 19, 2021. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Josie, as she was known to her friends and family, was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY by the late Giuseppe and Caterina Bianco along with her siblings. A consummate story-teller, regaling all who would listen with tales of Depression-era Brooklyn life, hungry basement lions, sneaky prohibition trades, and ten-cent cinemas, she was sure to entertain all. After marrying her husband Joe, Josie moved to NJ where she was quickly a favorite among the small town of Roosevelt. She was a great cook who specialized in her family’s favorites: aracinis, zucchini bread, sauce (not gravy), and the best meatballs south of the Brooklyn Bridge. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, making dresses, and working with ceramics – a giant Santa head is her best work to date. She was best known for her sense of humor, her life lessons, and the way she would make sure you knew she loved you. Josie loved to read and kept a running, alphabetical list (with notes!) of every book she’d ever read. She liked to take time to watch her programs and grieved when “The Chew” ended. Most recently, however, she was attempting to earn her law degree from the famed Judge Judy. She enjoyed the company of animals and most recently made friends with a tubby squirrel who visited her porch regularly for his daily ration of peanuts. Of course, above all, she loved her family fiercely and was proud of each and every one lucky enough to be part of it. She was a wonderful mom, the absolute best Super-G Nana Banana, and the luckiest great-grandma. Pay attention, I love you. Josie is predeceased by her beloved husband Joe and her siblings, Frank and Mae. She is survived by her son Bobby Drapala and his wife Christy, her daughter Trina Torres, her grandchildren Christine Hughes and her husband James, Holly Stoyanowski and her husband Josh, Michael Drapala and his wife Julia, Tim Belsches and his wife Kayla, Nic Belsches, and Meadow Drapala, and 9 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Josie will be held on Tuesday November 23, at 12pm at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street Mount Holly, NJ 08060. Friends and relatives may visit with her family from 10am-12pm and attend her services following. Interment will be held at the East Windsor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).

Josephine A. Drapala

July 24, 1922 - November 19, 2021