Josephine D. Vinci

Josephine “Dee Dee” Vinci, 95, of Brick, NJ, passed away peacefully, at home on April 14, 2026.

Born on March 17, 1931, in Asbury Park, NJ, Josephine was the beloved daughter of Anthony and Nicoletta Siciliano. She devoted her life to her family and was known for her generosity and kindness.

Josephine worked alongside her husband at Shore Drapery and Upholstery in Sea Bright, NJ for over 30 years, where she made custom draperies, bedspreads and duvets. In 1980, they relocated to Florida. She then worked with the Hernando County School District as a bus aide for special needs children. She found joy in cooking, gardening, crabbing, playing cards and bingo and watching the Hallmark channel. She had a love for animals and loved sharing stories about her childhood and her large, close-knit family.

She is survived by her children: Stella Johansen of Brick, NJ; Joseph Vinci (Regina) of Bayville, NJ; Nicoletta Goode (Michael) of Middletown, NJ; Josephine Bonora (Douglas) of West Long Branch, NJ; and SallyAnn Pebler (Chuck) of Brooksville, FL. She is also survived by 40 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as her sister, Toni Ann Dahrouge of Belmar, NJ, her brother, Anthony Siciliano of Neptune, NJ and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Salvatore; her parents, Anthony and Nicoletta Siciliano; her son-in-law, John Johansen, her sisters, Lucy Jones and Marie Cosentino and her great-grandchildren, Sean Patrick and Grace Mary.

To those who knew her, Josephine will be remembered for her laughter, compassion, and deep devotion to her Catholic faith and to Jesus Christ. She prayed every day with her rosary for those in need. While working on the school bus, Josephine and her bus driver saw our Lord Jesus Christ, dressed in white, walking down a step into a field with his welcoming arms, an experience that stayed with her forever. 

Her viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, at Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch. Funeral will begin at 9 am at the fuernal home followed by a 10:00 AM Mass at Holy Trinity R.C. Church in Long Branch. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in West Long Branch, beside her beloved husband, Sammy.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in her honor. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above. 

Her presence left a lasting mark on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

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