Josephine Herchik 1931-2025

Josephine was born Jose Marie Congemi on March 13, 1931, in Youngstown, the daughter of Giovanni and Anne Marie Congemi of Palermo, Sicily.

Josephine graduated from East High School in 1949 and married Michael W. Herchik of Youngstown on Oct. 28, 1950. Jo was a dedicated wife and mother of three children, Michael, Glen and Denise.

She worked outside the home as a produce manager for several local grocery stores, including Valu King and Giant Eagle, for the next 35 years before retiring.

Josephine was a devout Roman Catholic and member of Sacred Heart Church for more than 50 years, where she volunteered for 30 years helping prepare funeral bereavement meals for deceased parishioners. She also served as a Eucharistic minister, bringing communion to shut-ins. She worked the American Legion Fish Fry and washed and ironed vestments and altar cloths for the church, as well as frequently helping with cleaning and polishing the church pews.

Josephine was also a secretary at Sacred Heart Church, a secretary for the ladies’ guild for many years, and a member of the Holy Name Society and Infant Jesus of Prague.

Jo loved most of all to cook and bake for her family, especially for her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Michael W. Herchik; daughter, Denise Howe; son-in-law, William Howe; daughter-in-law, Terry Herchik; grandson, Lance Cpl. Taylor Herchik, USMC; and eight siblings, Charles Congemi (Katherine), Joseph (Judge) Congemi (Jerri), Ross (Scrooge) Congemi (Agnes), John (Ace) Congemi (Helen), Mike (Deuce) Congemi (Lucille), Peter (Spider) Congemi (Dorothy), Frank (Smokey) Congemi (Alice), Rose Hupp (Duke); nephews, Charles Congemi Jr., John Congemi (Barbara), John Congemi (Mary), Jimmy Congemi, Duke Hupp (JoAnn); and niece, Shirley Scanlon (Jack).

Jo is survived by her two sons, Michael W. Herchik Jr. (Sharon), Glen Herchik (Renee); Maryellen Herchik; and grandchildren, Jamie Gaynor (Aaron), Matthew Herchik, Andrea Herchik (Simon), Anthony Conti (Tammy), William Howe (Amanda), Rachel Peterson (Jason), Laura Hubert (Mark), Jordan Vesco; and nine great-grandchildren. She also has 54 nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, who all loved her and will miss her dearly.

Family and friends may pay their respects to Jo 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, at Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at St. Angela Merici Parish, 397 S. Jackson St., Youngstown, with calling hours 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Youngstown, OH 44512. Family and friends may visit www.rossifunerals.com to send condolences to Jo’s family.

(special notice)