Josephine DeBlasio, 57, of Toms River, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023 at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ.

Josephine, also lovingly referred to as “JoJo”, will be remembered as the greatest gift to her family and an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

Born with Down Syndrome, July 21, 1966, Josephine received special education in her formative years and to the credit of her beloved parents, went on to receive mainstream education at Middletown South High School. There she scored high in both reading and writing. Josephine flourished both academically and socially.

After graduating high school, Josephine received employment support services through the Arc of Monmouth County. Her workplaces included McDonald’s, Roy Rogers, Burger King and workshops in both Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Josephine had a strong work ethic and always strived to do her best. She received praise and recognition from all her employers as an excellent employee.

Following the death of her parents, Josephine was cared for by her sister, Denise DeBlasio. Denise, shared her parents vision that Josephine lead a healthy, full and happy life. Josephine resided with her sister and continued in the workplace as an assistant to her sister, a licensed financial advisor (now retired).

Over the course of the next twenty plus years, Josephine thoroughly enjoyed her life. She loved socializing and spending time with family and friends. She looked forward to celebrating her birthday each year and made sure to give advance notice months prior to the date. She loved to dance. Her favorite music artist was Michael Jackson.

She could even imitate his famous “moon walk”. Josephine was also fearless. When it came to water sport activities, she was always up for kayaking, jet skiing with her sister or boating. Her favorite foods included chicken parmigiana and McDonald’s quarter pounders with cheese. She also enjoyed eating sushi and was better than most at using chopsticks.

At restaurants, Josephine had a knack for for always ordering the best dish on the menu. She loved her morning cup of coffee and especially Wawa’s Pumpkin Spice coffee in the fall. She was a wiz at word search puzzles and in younger years was unbeatable at the old Atari video games.

Josephine was a joy. Her beautiful smile was warm and welcoming, her demeanor, calm, cool and collected. You couldn’t help but enjoy her company. To know Josephine was to love her. In recent times, through adversity and the challenges of pain, she shone through with a special light. She was a gift who touched the hearts of many.

Josephine was predeceased by her parents, Josephine J. DeBlasio, in 1999 and Boniface DeBlasio, in 2001. Surviving are her sister, Denise DeBlasio of Toms River and her brother, Conrad DeBlasio of Long Branch.

A visitation for Josephine will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753.

A visitation will occur Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM until the prayer service at 11:00 AM. Final Prayers will committal service will occur Saturday, September 23, at approximately 12:45 PM at Fair View Cemetery, Route 35, Middletown, NJ 07701.

Flowers are welcome but for those who prefer to donate, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the Arc, Monmouth County Chapter, 1158 Wayside Rd., Asbury Park, NJ 07712 or to a charity of choice.