Josephine A. (Savignano) DiSanto

Josephine A. (Savignano) DiSanto, 97, passed away peacefully in her home on April 19, 2024. Born October 13, 1926, in Derby, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Ermini J. and Josephine (Paterno) Savignano of Shelton Connecticut.

In her high school yearbook, Jo was described as the” belle of the senior class”, always well-dressed, with a distinctive personality.

Jo was passionately devoted to her family and their wellbeing including their proper nutrition. In the early days living in Morganton it was often difficult to find the ingredients she required to prepare traditional Italian dishes the family was accustomed to, and as such, Jo would routinely make trips to Charlotte, Asheville, Winston Salem or Greensboro to scout out and obtain the necessary ingredients. Needless to say, Jo was a fabulous cook, as attested to by all fortunate enough to sit at her table.

While both she and husband Alfred were born and grew up in New England, they relocated their young family to Morganton in 1961 launching Morganton Dyeing and Finishing Company along with Alfred’s father and brother. “MDF” or the “dye plant” as it was known would eventually grow to employ more than 700 people and remained in operation for 40 years.

Jo delighted in spending time with family in the cool mountain air, and spectacular vistas of the North Carolina mountains so close to home. Upon hearing of the recent establishment of Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Jo spearheaded an initiative to have the family become one of the club’s earliest members. They remained avid members at Grandfather where they hosted many cherished family gatherings for more than 50 years.

Jo was a volunteer at Grace Hospital and taught catechism at St. Charles Catholic Church for many years. She was also a member of the Morganton Service League.

Jo's hobbies included playing golf at Mimosa Hills and GGCC, gardening and bridge clubs. She also enjoyed sculpting and was an eager student in sculpting classes at ASU well into her late 50’s, however, her most enjoyable pastime other than spending time with her family was collecting antiques. She was a connoisseur of fine antiques and loved to hunt for treasures far and wide.

Those who knew Josephine, knew her to be a woman of strong will and witt. Even in her advancing years and with decreased mobility she was [uniquely] capable of running her own home, providing an ever watchful eye and helpful suggestions on how to properly prepare meals, especially Italian cuisine. Her home, affectionately became known by family and friends as “Commandpost222”!

Upon hearing the news of his aunt’s passing one of her fond nephews proclaimed “Heaven has gained a General and the Angels will be eating well”…

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Alfred Rocco DiSanto, siblings Marie LoRusso, Frank Savignano, Margaret Lauretti, Anthony Savignano, and infant brother Francis.

Josephine’s is survived by her three devoted children, Dr. Rocco Frank DiSanto (Ann), Donna Gooch Rountree (Jim), and Andrea Danielle DiSanto, four loving grandchildren, Braxton (Alex) Gooch, Dr. Rocco Michael DiSanto (Collette), Nicholas Braxton Gooch, and Giorgia Elizabeth Gooch (Seth), Sister-in-law, Gloria Yates (Sam), Nieces Vicki Quinn (Brian), Joann Gorman, Liz Forrest, Susan Pineau (David), Jodi Pelliccio (Chris), Allegra Fitzgerald (Paul), Bernadette DiSanto, and Roxanne DiSanto. Nephews, Frank Savignano (Kelly), Mark Lauretti (Andee), David Savignano (Kim), Anthony Savignano (Christina), Luke Lauretti (Deborah), and Jason Yates (Debbie).

The family would like to thank the special caregivers who so tirelessly and compassionately cared for Josephine in her final days.

A celebratory mass and private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Charles Catholic Church, Morganton, North Carolina.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.