Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Josephine C. Tigani

Josephine C. Tigani, age 95, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3 with her loving family by her side. Born 1924 in Highland Park, New Jersey to the late William De Angelis and Mary De Angelis (née Sorge), Josephine was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She graduated from Highland Park High School and attended Georgian Court College. In the summer of ’42, Josephine would fill-in for her sister’s friend on a blind date while vacationing at the family’s Point Pleasant beach home. As fate would have it, that blind date with Vince would set the course for the rest of her life. Vince knew that Josephine was the one and told her then that in two years they would be married. Josephine and Vince married in the fall of ’44, shortly before he was deployed to the Philippines at the height of the war in the Pacific theatre. Until deployment, she would accompany his unit across the country as Vince was training to go overseas.

Upon Vince’s return after the war, they made their home in Wilmington, raising their 3 children in the Catholic faith and stressing values of education and hard work. Josephine’s love of family was unparalleled, and she was active in her children’s lives participating in the mother’s guild at St. Edmond’s Academy and Archmere. She nurtured her children to pursue their talents and goals and was proud of their achievements, while always a valued confidante to her husband. In recent years, Josephine succeeded to her late husband’s ownership interest in Standard Distributing Co., Inc. and its affiliates.

Josephine enjoyed playing golf, and was a member of Concord Country Club and Rehoboth Beach Country Club. She enjoyed time spent at her Rehoboth Beach home with family and friends. From her early years, Josephine displayed artistic talents. Among her favorite projects were building, designing and decorating her Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington homes.

Other favorite activities included reading, gardening, sewing and gourmet cooking. She enjoyed classical music and going to New York to see Broadway shows. Josephine was a member and officer of the Ki-Wives Club of Wilmington and a member of the Rehoboth Beach Village Improvement Association.

Josephine was a devout Catholic and had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. John Neumann. She faithfully recited The Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great for the Souls in Purgatory. Josephine was a person people were drawn to because of her sincere interest in helping others. One of her greatest assets was an intuitive approach to life with the ability to provide practical solutions to challenging issues. This strength was a guiding force in her family.

Josephine was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, J. Vincent Tigani, Jr., and her son, Dr. James V. Tigani III. Josephine is survived by her 2 children, Diane A. Tigani and Bruce W. Tigani (his wife, Jennifer); her daughter-in-law, Mary Anne Tigani; 6 grandchildren, Jennifer A. Bridges (Kevin), Allison Tigani-Hanson (Jonathan), Dr. Kristin M. Tigani-Taylor (William), Dr. James V. Tigani IV, Jessica L. Moran (William) and Bruce W. Tigani, Jr.; and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the Christiana Care team of physicians, nurses and support staff on 5E and the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of 2E for their outstanding compassion and care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution in Mrs. Tigani’s name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE 19803; the Little Sisters’ of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 19713; or the Emmanuel Dining Room of the Ministry of Caring, 115 E. 14th Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Funeral Services

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 11:00 am. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware 19808.

Condolences

    Paul W Montigney MD writes,
    Sorry to hear about Josephine's death. She certainly lived to a good age. I enjoyed taking care of her health for many years. I remember her as being very strong despite all the issues she dealt with. Certainly one of my former patients I will not forget! Hope everyone else is doing well. P Montigney MD
    07/08/2019 12:17 pm
    Wendy Rumpff lit a candle and writes,
    I am so very sorry for your loss. With My Prayers For The Family, Wendy from Standard
    07/08/2019 12:56 pm
    Don Vassallo writes,
    Bruce and family - She had a long and wonderful life- full and interesting. In particular she raised some great children. My condolences to you. Don Vassallo
    07/10/2019 07:36 am
    Judy Mazzeo lit a candle and writes,
    HI Diane, I was so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She did live to very long age and I'm sure you and she had many happy memories doing all the wonderful things that she enjoyed doing I'm sure with you. I would have loved the decorating and cooking parts of things that you both must have enjoyed together. Many years of fun in past years. Perhaps not so much in the past couple of years. Peace knowing all of the St. Gertude prayers that she said for so many people and I will add her to my St. Gertude prayer also. Peace and blessings, Judy Mazzeo
    07/15/2019 05:33 pm

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.