Josephine Valenti

Josephine Valenti, 84, of Wapak passed away 8: 44 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was born June 17, 1933 in Lima to the late Frank and Angeline (Destafano) Mancuso.  She married James Valenti May 30, 1955 and he preceded her in death Feb. 8, 1999.

Jo had been involved in her community serving as a P.T.A. member and later on the board of education. She was known as one of the best Italian cooks in Wapak, famous for her Lasagna and Pizzagaina.  Many happy and long years were spent running the Catalina Motel with her husband Jim.

Survivors include 2 sons: Tony (Kim) Valenti of Wapak, Frank Valenti of Cridersville, 2 daughters:  Dawn (Ted) Hemleben and Diana Allen both of Wapak; 5 grandchildren:  Chrissy (Isaac) Dunifon, Ezra (Arianna) Allen, T.J. (Danny Rettig) Hemleben, Chelsea Valenti and Kirstie (Nate Griffo) Valenti and 5 great grandchildren:  Jake & Gina Place, Drew & Bella Dunifon and Sariah Allen.

She was preceded in death by a brother Guiseppe Mancuso and sister Gilda Mancuso.

The family will have a gathering Sat. March 3 form 2-4 and a time of sharing will follow at 4 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Burial will be at a later date in Fairmount Cemetery.