Josephine “Josie” Ciconte Conaty

Josephine “Josie” Ciconte Conaty, age 87, of Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, died on Friday, November 15, 2019 from complications of surgery while surrounded by members of her family.

Born in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Josie’s early years were spent at her family’s residence in Rehoboth Beach, which residence is now home to the Summer House Restaurant. With her parents and siblings, Josie moved to Wilmington, graduated from P.S. DuPont High School and later attended Thompsons Business School. Shortly after graduating from high school, Josie met the love of her life, Francis P. “Ponce” Conaty and they married in 1951. Over the next sixteen years, Josie and Ponce created a strong and loving family, having eight children together. Josie’s family was the most important aspect of her life, starting with her children and expanding to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as they came into her life. With eight children, Josie needed a strong sense of self which she displayed with seeming ease on a daily basis. Further, in speaking of her family, whether with love or in protection, Josie had a way with words that was unparalleled.

In 1960, Josie and Ponce built a home in Dewey Beach, Delaware and every Memorial Day, Josie would pack the bags and move to the beach with her (eventually eight) children to await the arrival of Ponce each Friday as he concluded his work week. Later, Josie and Ponce would move to Rehoboth Beach where they began to enjoy their retirement in 1987. Josie was very proud of the fact that she and Ponce were able to provide their children the opportunity to reside at the beach throughout the years and be a part of the beach community.

Ponce predeceased Josie in 1994. Shortly thereafter, coming out of retirement, she began working as a Page in the State of Delaware House of Representatives where she continued for over 20 years before ultimately retiring as Chief Page of the Minority Caucus. Josie cherished all of the relationships and friends that she made in Legislative Hall. Josie was a board member of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and a former member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club prior to moving permanently to Wilmington several years ago to be closer to her family.

In addition to being predeceased by Ponce and her son, Gerald T. “Jerry” Conaty, Josie was also predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Theresa (Morabito) Ciconte and her sisters, Angela Sayin, Betty Brooks and Theresa Ricci. She is survived by her remaining children, four sons, Daniel F. (Joanne), David F. (Colleen), Brian J. (Lucy) and F. Peter (Ellen); three daughters, Kathleen A. Conaty, Cheryl (Bill) Timmons and Ann T. (Kent) Vasco, Colleen Murphy Conaty, spouse of Jerry, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She and her family are especially appreciative of their supportive friends as well as the staff at Sunrise Senior Living where Josie was known for her beautiful smile and friendliness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Josie’s memory to the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971.