Josephine Giocastro Melton's Obituary
Josephine Giocastro Melton was born on September 1, 1929, to Sebastian and Grace (Musco) Giocastro in Providence, Rhode Island. She was the middle child with three older sisters and a younger brother and sister.
Josephine, known to family and friends as “Josie”, grew up in Providence. After high school graduation, she began working and taking correspondence courses toward her college degree. At a local dance, she met the love of her life, Charles P. Melton, who was a Navy sailor stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Josephine and Charles married in Providence, on May 4, 1954, and then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to begin their life together. During their 47 years of marriage, they welcomed 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Josie was employed by the State of Tennessee. She became a supervisor and retired from the Employment Security Department after a 40-year career of dedicated service. Josie enjoyed traveling the world with Charles, his sisters, and their husbands. From Alaska to the Caribbean to Italy and Greece, the couples maximized fun in their retirement years!
Josie and Charles attended Grace Avenue Church of Christ until it was dissolved and then placed membership at Jackson Park Church of Christ for the remainder of their lives. She was an active member there until she suffered a stroke in 2015. After recovering, Josie moved to an assisted living community in Franklin, Tennessee, where she soon became the “social butterfly”. She loved to play cards and board games! She welcomed opportunities to meet new residents and was the leader of the hospitality committee.
Josie had a zest for learning and truly personified her Italian heritage in the spirit and passion that she demonstrated all her life! Even to the end of her journey, she lived life to the fullest!
Josie is survived by her three children, Charles S. “Steve” Melton (Vivian), Grace Melton Tantillo (Patrick) and Kimberly Melton Grisham, nine grandchildren, Austin Melton (Natalie), Courtney Melton Zahn (Kevin), Ryan Tantillo, Megan Tantillo Swain (Derek), Devon Grisham, Darin Grisham (Amanda), Joseph Grisham, Hailey Grisham and Lidia Grisham, and four great-grandchildren, Maverick Melton, Willow Rose Melton, Kynlee Zahn and Baby Boy Swain (due Dec 2022).
The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 12:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 pm held at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road in Nashville.
Click the link below to view the webcasted funeral service:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/78100/hash:A6EC523FC86ED428
Memorial contributions can be made to Alive Hospice in honor of Josephine G. Melton.
What’s your fondest memory of Josephine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Josephine?
Share a story where Josephine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Josephine you’ll never forget.
How did Josephine make you smile?

