Josephine (JoJo) Mogavero, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully in Fernandina Beach, FL just 10 days short of her 94th birthday on January 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, service, and love for others. She was born and raised in an Italian American Catholic family in Brooklyn, New York, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and family that guided her throughout her life. Italian and Catholic traditions were the spiritual foundation of her home. The family moved from Brooklyn, NY to Point Pleasant Beach , NJ onward to Port St. Lucie, FL then to Bradenton, FL, Elk Grove, CA and her final home in Fernandina Beach, FL.

She shared more than 62 devoted years of marriage with her beloved husband, Carlo Thomas Mogavero with whom she traveled extensively and cruised the world, creating treasured memories and friendships along the way.

She dedicated her work life as an office manager for the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department and an internal medicine physician in Port St. Lucie, FL, roles that perfectly reflected her sincere passion for helping others.

For many years, she proudly served as secretary, affectionately called ‘Madam Secretary’, of her bocce team in Elk Grove, CA where her organization, warmth, and humor were deeply appreciated. She formed lasting friendships everywhere she went and was dearly loved by many friends, as well as by those she cared for and lived alongside at Amelia Springs Assisted Living.

She endured profound loss with grace, having been predeceased by her husband Carlo, her beloved daughter Nancy, her brother, and many sisters - and brothers-in-law, and friends. Through it all, she remained strong, loving, and generous of heart.

She is survived by her loving daughter Joanne Oestmann, beloved son-in-law Eric Oestmann, two granddaughters Jessica Clekis Grant (Jacob) and Chelsea Clekis Fitzsimmons (Charles), two grandsons , Aaron ( Bre) Oestmann and Logan (Kelsey) Oestmann and five cherished great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by a brother, sister-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Her life’s theme was simple yet profound: to help others be the best they could be. Her kindness, sincerity, and unwavering compassion will be remembered always and carried forward by all who were blessed to know her.

A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday 1/15/2026 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church located at 202 N 4th St, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 at Noon with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine Mogavero’s name to St. Michael’s Social Outreach Program a program that brought much companionship, friends, love and blessings to JoJo for over 2 years: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YZJH/campaign/C-14R6D

Your donation to this fund allows various parish ministries to support the needs of the local community and beyond which was a blessing for JoJo.