Josephine (“Jo”) Lero, 93, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving children, on Feb. 28, 2017, after a brief illness.

Born and raised in Manhattan, NY, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Colucci) Loscalzo. She married William P. Lero after World War II and moved to Bristol, where they made their home. They were married for 47 years.
She graduated from Immaculata High School, NYC, and cherished her high school memories, sharing stories and maintaining friendships with classmates throughout the years.

While raising her children, she pursued her dream of going to college, graduating from URI in 1969 with a B.S. in home economics and family life education. She was inducted into several honor societies.  Josephine later received a Master’s degree in education in 1977. She fulfilled her life-long passion of teaching and taught at Bristol High School for 17 years. Her students loved her and many kept in touch with her over the years. She enjoyed seeing former students in town and hearing how she had impacted their lives. Prior to teaching, Josephine was employed by the R.I. Department of Health and Collins & Aikman.

Following retirement, she was elected to the Bristol School Committee (1988-92). She served on numerous civic, church, charitable and educational organizations over the years, notably AARP, Harbor Lights, the Leonardo DaVinci Lodge, and at OLMC Church, where she was a lector and a member of the Holy Rosary and Nocturnal Adoration Societies.

Josephine especially took great personal pleasure in all her creative talents of sewing, painting, crafts & macramé. She loved the challenge of learning something new.

Spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends was an important part of her life. She treasured the wonderful memories, especially holidays and the Fourth of July in Bristol.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, William (1994), her sisters, Theresa and Natalie, and grandson, Jamie Urban (2015). She is survived by four children, Natalie Urban and Joseph (Mary) Lero, both of Bristol, Dr. William Lero (Jeanie) of Hollis, NH, and Gina Lero-Hamel (John) of Lincoln, Mass.; her brother, Anthony Loscalzo (Pat) of Bronx, NY; six grandchildren (Annie Lero, Maggie Larson, Edward and Peter Borges, and Josiah and Michael Lero); two great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol at 9 a.m., Monday, March 6, 2017, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetary in Bristol. Visiting Hours are on Sunday, March 5, 3-6 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, 127 State St., Bristol, RI 02809.

www.sansonefuneralhome.com.