Josephine Mary (Manzi) Ghilarducci was born on June 10, 1926 in Ferndale to Cento and Lena Manzi, and passed away on March 18, 2025 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

She graduated from Grant Elementary School in Ferndale, Fortuna Union High School in Fortuna and Business College in Eureka.

She married Dave Ghilarducci on October 4, 1947. Shortly after their marriage, they built their new home in Rio Dell and lived there the rest of their lives, with the exception of the last seven years, when Josephine lived in Scottsdale, Ariz. with her son, Rich and daughter-in-law, Lana, who felt it was a blessing to share this time together as a family.

Dave and Josephine purchased a Texaco franchise in 1954 and then owned and operated Dave’s Texaco Service Center in Rio Dell for over 30 years. In 1978 the business expanded to become Dave’s Texaco Service and AAA Towing when they were awarded a AAA franchise. Through the years Josephine did all the necessary administration and accounting for the business.

Josephine supported her husband not only while in business, but also as Dave served as Fire Chief for the City of Rio Dell for 32 years. Her commitment to their community was apparent by the time spent attending numerous fire service events representing the Rio Dell Fire Department over this period.

She was one of the founding members of the Rio Dell Ladies Fire Auxiliary, she was a member of the Saint Patrick’s Church Alter Society and the Rio Dell PTA.

For years after the passing of her husband, she enjoyed her daily walks through downtown Rio Dell. She liked taking train trips with her family throughout the western United States and Canada. She was an avid sports fan watching the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants. For over 20 years she attended the San Francisco Giants spring training games where she was a long time Giants season ticket holder. She loved to play UNO cards, and was a winner most of the time, in which she reminded you about her winning record. Family was most important to her as she always provided support and guidance to all her children. She looked forward to family reunions, family breakfasts with her niece and nephews, and hosting dinners at her home in Rio Dell. She was a caregiver to her parents, her in-laws and her husband for many years, and was always willing to lend support to her close friends when needed.

Josephine is survived by her daughter, Judy McKinley, daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Tim De Fazio, son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Lana Ghilarducci. Grandson, Scott De Fazio and Heather and Grady Parker, Grandson, Kit and CJ McKinley and daughters, Lillian and Beth. Sister-in-law, Liana Ghilarducci, as well as many nephews and nieces and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Ghilarducci, parents, Cento and Lena Manzi, in-laws, Frank and Josephine Ghilarducci, brother and sister-in-law, Charley and Mary Manzi, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Raymond and Maureen Ghilarducci, brother-in-law, Robert Ghilarducci, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Henry and Angie Silva, son-in-law, Harless McKinley. There will be Rosary services Friday, April 4, 2025 at 7 p.m. at Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary in Fortuna, a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fortuna. Final services and entombment will follow at Ocean View Cemetery Mausoleum in Eureka. A reception to celebrate Josephine’s life will follow these services at the Rio Dell Fire Hall from 1-4 p.m.

Donations can be made to Rio Dell Volunteer Fire Department, 50 Center St., Rio Dell 95562 or a charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Josephine Ghilarducci’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.