Josephine (Guzzo) Hartley

Josephine "Jo" Hartley (98) formerly of Ridgefield, New Jersey, went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2023. Josephine was born on September 24, 1924, in Union City to Luigi and Catherina Guzzo but grew up in Italy, moving back to New Jersey at the age of twelve. She went to work in an embroidery factory at an early age to help support her family. She married the love of her life, James Hartley, on June 30, 1957. In the following years, they welcomed sons James and John. Every day, her husband Jim walked home during his workday to share lunch with her.

After Jim retired, they enjoyed "grandparent life" to John's daughters, Lexi and Alli.  Jo loved finally having girls who would play dress up from her closet, and attended all their concerts, recitals, and school events without fail. She was a devoted parishioner at St Matthew's Church in Ridgefield for over 50 years. She enjoyed playing Bingo, traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe, and going to Atlantic City. She became the family matriarch in her later years, attending all major gatherings and celebrations. She enjoyed making memories whether it be with her extended family down in Cape May, just sitting in the driveway on summer nights with her beloved neighbors Nick and Palma Lucci, rooting for the Yankees, praying her rosary and novenas, or cooking her famous chicken cacciatore for her family on Sundays!  Above all she was extremely devoted to her family and friends. Jo was blessed with a long and healthy life and used this blessing to be a loving and empathetic caregiver to several of her friends, neighbors, family members and husband Jim in their time of need as their own health declined. Jo was a true model of someone who put her family and friends before herself.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sister Edie and brother-in-law Howard Olsen, her sister Jean and brother-in-law Thomas Devlin, and her brother Jack Federico. She was also predeceased by her nephews Dennis and John Devlin, and nieces Carol Giacona and Catherine Ryaness.

She will be deeply missed by her sons Jim Hartley and John Hartley (Jenny Staton), as well as her granddaughters Lexi Hartley (David Specht) and Alli Hartley-Kong (Kovit).  She is also survived by her nieces and nephews LouAnn (Robert) Bennett, Coralee Hunter (Paul Codella), Paul Olsen (Diana Garcia), Kathleen (Joseph) Schafer, Linda Devlin, and Edward Ryaness, as well as many grand-nieces and nephews. Jo had many lifelong friendships, and she is survived by her dear friends Betty DeSteno and Dottie Hastings.

Her family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 9:45 AM on Saturday, February 25 at Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in North Arlington, NJ Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, followed by a Celebration of Life at noon at Lassoni Restaurant, North Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/

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