Josephine Rider

Josephine T. Ricciardella Rider, devoted mother and beloved wife of Joseph B. Rider, passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday May 2, 2017 with her loving family at her side.  She was the daughter of the late Antonio Ricciaradella and Libera Fiorelli.  Mrs. Rider was born on Jan. 19, 1932 in North Tarrytown, NY.

Josephine had an artistic streak and enjoyed painting, dancing, giving impromptu performances on the organ, and spending time with St. Matthew's New Horizon Group.  She was fastidious about her kitchen and its presentation. Even when her disease was well advanced, her appreciation of a crisply folded napkin never diminished.

Survivors include her husband Joseph, her son Donald J Sposta and her daughter, Stephanie Cenatiempo, grandsons Christopher and Steven Cenatiempo, three step- children and two step-grandchildren. Her sisters, Anntoinette Bousquet of Purdys, NY, Rosemary Santucci of Ossining, and Lucy (Patrick) DiMuro of Tarrytown and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Josephine was predeceased by her beloved son Michael A. Sposta, three sisters Gloria Frasca, Mary Candela, Angelina Pagnozzi and a brother Michael Ricciardella.

Calling hours will be at Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home, 5 East Wall Street, Norwalk, CT on Sunday May 7th from 2PM to 6PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday May 8th, 10AM at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue in Norwalk with burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

In lieu in flowers at Josephine's request, donations in her memory may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, The Alzheimer's Association or The Whittingham Cancer Center.

The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Josephine's wonderful caregivers and volunteers.