Obituary: Josephine Iacobelli Lockery, 91, of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT - (From Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home) Josephine Iacobelli Lockery, 91, of Hamden, loving wife of the late Walter Lockery, passed away on January 29, 2021 at home, her hand held by caregiver Cindy Adinolfi.

Born in Hamden on November 14, 1929, the only child of the late Giuseppe and Lucia Civitello Iacobelli, she is survived by her sons; Joseph Lockery and his wife Sarah of Branford and David Lockery (Joyce McCann) of Hamden, grandchildren; Jane and Rose Lockery, Megan Lockery, and Emily McCann, one great-grandson, nieces, nephews, and brother-in-law, Donald Lockery.

After graduating from Hamden High School, Josephine, known as Jo, worked for ACME Wire and Etkind Solokoff.

She was an active member of the Margaret L. Keefe Elementary School P.T.A. when her sons were students.

Jo enjoyed gatherings at the Knights of Columbus Club in Hamden, reading, painting, crossword puzzles, soap operas, and family summer vacations at the Beachwood Motel in Kennebunkport, ME.

Jo entertained friends and cousins by hosting holiday cookouts and games of Pokeno. She was proud of her success in quitting a cigarette habit and even prouder of her granddaughters who affectionately called Jo “Hoot” for her owl-like laugh.

A bit of a rebel, Jo boasted she drove the hills on Benham St., after frequent trips to McDonalds, with the “pedal to the metal” and free of a seatbelt.

Her softer side was evident by a weakness for stuffed animals and a collection of Beanie Babies.

While cheated of memories in later years from dementia, Jo’s life remained full due to the companionship of her caregivers; Cindy Adinolfi, Carolyn MacMillan, Enza Valentino and Claudia and Jennifer Fasano.

Jo’s family is forever grateful to this team of incredible women for their devotion while helping Jo to successfully reside safely in her home.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 3 at 11 a.m. in Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Ave., New Haven, CT 06515.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Knights of Columbus, 2630 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518.