Josephine (Vitelli) Rao, 1925 – 2025, loved to dance

Josephine (Vitelli) Rao, 100, of Wayland, MA, formerly of Waltham and Lake Worth, Florida, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

Known as Jessie, she was born in Orsogna, Italy, on April 28, 1925. Jessie met her husband, Vincent, known by his nickname “Gig”, when they were teenagers growing up in the west end of Boston. While Gig served in the Navy during WW II, Jessie worked at the armory supporting the war effort. They were married in October 1948 and remained devoted to one another for nearly 75 years. Together they created a loving and fun home for their four children, first in Watertown and then for over 30 years in Waltham. Jessie loved to cook and was happiest when spending time entertaining family and friends at their home in Waltham and their summer cottage in Plymouth.

She was a voracious reader and also loved painting, craft projects and playing card games. After raising her children, she returned to work in the 1980’s working as a bookkeeper first with the Small Business Association of New England and then with Tornare Construction. Jessie and Gig retired to Lake Worth, Florida, spending 30 years there before moving back to the Boston area to be closer to their children. They enjoyed a busy and happy retirement in Florida and became very active in the local Italian-American Club, went ballroom dancing every week and traveled frequently, including many cruises and trips to Europe with friends and family.

For the past three years, Jessie was a resident at the Carriage House at Lee’s Farm in Wayland, MA, where she developed many new friendships with other residents, staff and care givers. Even at 100, she remained active enjoying bingo, bocce and bowling, listening to music, books on tape, and especially dancing whenever she got the chance.

Predeceased by her parents, Giuseppe and Teresa and by her sisters Colomba, Vera and Genevieve, and her husband Vincent.

Jessie is survived by her children Janet (Steven) Cappetta, JoAnn (David) Chambers, Susan Rao and James (Doreen) Rao; grandchildren David Chambers, Emily (Brian) Cooperman, Matthew Cappetta, Nicholas (Jorrie) Chambers, Emma Rao and Alex Rao. She is also survived by six great grandchildren.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to gather and remember the love that Jessie shared on Tuesday, August 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Parish located at 880 Trapelo Road in Waltham. Parking attendants will be on duty.

A funeral mass in celebration of Jessie’s Life will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be held privately for her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Jessie’s loving memory be made to: Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459. https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate.