Josephine Frances Raczak DiPietro

Josephine Frances Raczak DiPietro, born March 21, 1935 peacefully left her family on this earth to be reunited with her heavenly family on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruno John “Frank” DiPietro, parents, Francis and Mary Raczak, Step-Mother, Margaret Raczak, brother, Earl Raczak, and grandson Jonathan DiPietro.

Fran was a devoted wife and mother who deeply respected and fully lived in the sacredness of God’s precious gift of family. She enjoyed having time together with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved cooking and decorating for holidays and especially the annual family beach “reunion” trips. She taught her grandkids the simple wonders of life, like midnight walks on the beach with nets and flashlights to catch crabs, the beauty of sunsets, and peacefulness of the water. These were special times.

Fran was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Elks Lodge #392, she supported her husband Frank and the Elk’s endeavors during his 35 year membership. She often could be found cooking desserts or assisting with the Friday night family meals and was a constant supporter on Bingo nights.

Fran loved crafts throughout her life, making beauty out of things around her. She enjoyed watching her plants blossom and grow and the beauty of birds feeding outside her window. 

Fran is survived by her beloved children, Bill DiPietro of St. Augustine, FL; Nick (& Patsy) DiPietro of Elm City, NC; Donna (& Frank) Stortz of New Bern, NC; and Teresa (& Mike) Elshoff of Charlotte, NC; sister, Elaine Hartman of NJ; grandchildren, Adriana (& Jeff) Lever, Amanda (& Lucas) Pumphrey, Maria (& Gordon) Strickler, Joe DiPietro, Allison (& Eric) Peters, Tina (& Garrett) Carpenter, Jennifer (& Will) Fox, Andrew (& Alexa) Stortz, Adam Stortz, James DiPietro and great-grandchildren, Ellora, Arielle, Lilliana, Noelle, and Lucille Pumphrey, Noah and Eli Lever, Harlyn and Calla Jo Fox, Jack Strickler, and Caden Peters.

A funeral mass will be held for Josephine in the Daily Mass Chapel at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC, on Thursday February 16, 2023 at 12:50 PM.

A Reception Celebrating her life will be held on Saturday February 18^th from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at The Farmhouse Villa, 9544 Brief Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.

 In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Hospitals, www.stjude.org.