Josephine K. Maggio Benassi

Josephine K. Maggio Benassi, 97, of Rockford, passed away on September 12, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1926, in Rockford, the daughter of Carlo and Lucy (Mirto) Adrignola. She graduated from West High School, class of 1945. She married her first husband, Salvatore Maggio in Rockford on May 7, 1949, and he preceded her in death on March 1, 1974. She then married Carlo Benassi in Rockford on May 24, 1986, and he preceded her in death on July 21, 2016. She worked as a waitress for the family restaurant, Feather Club, from 1947 – 1952, a co-owner of Illinois Candy and Tobacco Company from 1952 – 1977, and a clerk at Illinois National Bank (AmCore) from 1979 – 1989. Josephine was a woman with strong faith, a member at St. Anthony and St. Bernadette Catholic Churches, sang in the church choir at St. Peter & Paul and the Community Concert Group, sang in the funeral choir at St. Bernadette’s, and led the grief support group at St. Bernadette’s. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crafting, and jigsaw puzzles. Josephine was a loving mom, grandma, and great grandma. 

She is survived by her children, Matthew (Linda) Maggio, Carl (Beverly) Maggio, and David (Cheryl) Maggio; stepchildren, Theresa Powles, Patsy (Gene) Esther, Carl (Jean) Benassi, Monica (Patrick) Larkin, Roseann Salamone, Marcella (David) Kramer, Anthony (Kathi) Benassi, and Peter Benassi; 27 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way.

She is predeceased by her parents, Carlo and Lucy; husbands, Salvatore and Carlo; brothers, Sam (Anne) Adrignola, Leonard (Mary) Adrignola, and Anthony (Florence) (Chris) Adrignola. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103. A visitation will be prior to Mass from 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary St. James Catholic Cemetery in Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice Association, Cancer Association, and Heart Association. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.