Josephine "Phina" Rataski

Josephine A. (Jo/Phina) Rataski departed this earth on June 22, 2026. Born in Kenilworth New Jersey on April 6, 1940, to Nunzio and Clara Rica (Ventre). She graduated from Jonathan Dayton High School before Relocating to brick New Jersey in 1965. Josephine raised Her family while having a fulfilling career for Decades in the Brick Education system aspiring from the cafeteria to positions of administration in the Guidance Departments and the Board of Education Offices.

Josephine is survived by her high school, sweetheart, and loving Husband of 66 years Len Sr, her beloved sons Lenny Jr/Peggy, Kurt, Jeff/Jeanne. She adored her grandchildren Lenny III/Emily, Joe, Jon, Grant, Zach, and her great grandchildren, Max, Violet, Hazel, Leo, Sage and Ryder. She is also survived by her brother Ted/Angie Rica and a multitude of caring nieces and nephews and friends.

Phina, as they affectionately called her is pre-deceased by her loving sister, Anna (Rica)/Morris Ferraro, Frank "Chubby"/Susan Rica, Joseph "Zorro"/Dolores Rica, and Frederick "Babe"/Patricia Rica

Josephine was a kind, loving, energetic and strong woman who acquired many friends and special relationships over the years! Everything she did was passionate, including her love for cooking, gardening, crocheting, sewing, crosswords, bingo and reading books. She also had a love of natures creatures, which included hummingbirds and her three special canine companions over her lifetime, Sissy, Patches and Molly. But the greatest love of her life was her family and faith!

Extreme gratitude goes to all the executives, staff, and residents of Springpoint Living at Manalapan where she thrived over the last four years, attending every event and activity while battling the debilitating effects of Parkinson's with dignity and strength. In those four years, she ingrained herself in the soul of that community, which is a testament to her fortitude.

A funeral mass will be held at St Martha Roman Catholic Church, 3800 Herbertsville Rd. Point Pleasant New Jersey on Wednesday, July 1st at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Josephine's name to the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson's. www.michaeljfox.org