Josephine “Josie” Haschak

Josephine “Josie” Haschak, 79, of Naugatuck, passed away on February 16, 2025, peacefully at home with her family by her side. She was the wife of George “Billy” Haschak for 59 years. Born on August 30, 1945, in Leicester, England, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Gloria (Reed) Macaluso.

Her father was stationed in England during WWII and Josie and her mother came to the United States when she was just six months old on an army ship. Josie grew up in Bridgeport, CT and graduated from Warren Harding High School. During that time, you could find her with Billy at Maraczi’s Drive-In, Seaside Park, Pleasure Beach, Lordship Sea Wall, roller skating at the Mosque with friends or at Little Casino having a slice!! Josie and Billy have been inseparable since!! Josie married Billy in June of 1965 and was a mother of two children, a son, David and a daughter, Donna. She was a devoted mother who always attended little league games, band practice, choir concerts, volunteered to chaperone field trips when her children were younger and always donated something sweet for a bake sale. Through the years, moving from Bridgeport to Stratford, and ultimately to Naugatuck; no matter what intrigued her children, Josie was consistently present with love, encouragement, and support.

Josie worked in various Administrative Assistant jobs over the years, but retired as a Distribution Clerk from Centrix, Inc, in 2008 after 17years.

Josie loved music, playing bingo, spending time with her family, and the New York Yankees! From Motown to the oldies of the 50’s and 60’s. From Michael Jackson, the Bees Gees and Barbara Streisand to todays’ Rock, Pop, and Dance music, she loved it all! But her all time favorite was Elvis Presley. Back in the day, she and Billy would cut a rug at any one of their favorite spots and even won a local televised dance contest. In more recent times of the past, a favorite gathering of hers was when all the “girls” of the family would have “dance parties” in the living room after Sunday dinner and try to teach her the most current dance moves. When Josie’s children were growing up, she and Billy would spend time with them fishing, playing at the playground, bike riding, playing catch, sled riding in the winter, or just being together as a family at Beardsley Park, Seaside Park, Short Beach Park, or at family or friend’s houses. She loved her family with all her heart and nothing made her happier, except the addition of her two granddaughters, Brooke and Bella.

Josie was a devout New York Yankees fan. She couldn’t wait every year for baseball season to begin. Her all-time favorite player was Bernie Williams, but she cheered on each team every season without hesitation. She enjoyed a couple of games at Yankee Stadium with her family over the years and never missed a game on TV. 

When she wasn’t watching the Yankees with her family, rocking out to Guns & Roses “Sweet Child of Mine”, or busting a move with her daughter, nieces, sister, and even mother at one point in time, you could find Josie at any one of the surrounding towns’ bingo games. She was an avid bingo player and over the years has made many lasting friendships. Over time, she and Billy would go together to various places to play bingo. Josie belonged to the Naugatuck Senior Center and enjoyed going on their bus trips to Foxwoods Casino and Turning Stone Casino in NY. She also loved to read. Mysteries were her favorite and she loved books by James Patterson. Whether it be in their younger days or more recently, Josie and Billy loved going for long car rides near the shore and maybe stop for a bite or an ice cream along the way. Josie was a friend to all. Her kindness, care and compassion for those around her was second to none. All those whose lives she has touched over the years are better off for knowing her. She was a rock star as a wife, mother, friend, and human…….she will be profoundly missed!!

Josie is survived by her loving husband, Billy, of 59 years; her son, David Haschak and his wife Dina; her daughter, Donna Shamer and her husband Dean; her sister, Annette Macaluso; her brother, Anthony Macaluso and his wife Maura; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Feltovic; her cherished granddaughters, Brooke and Isabella; and treasured nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Gloria Macaluso.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made in honor of Josie’s memory to: Naugatuck Senior Center, 300 Meadow St., Naugatuck, CT 06770. Josie’s family would like to offer a special thank you and appreciation to the Naugatuck and Beacon Falls Ambulance, First Responders, and Naugatuck Public Works for going above and beyond with their compassionate care.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, February 24, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck, CT. A Funeral Service will commence at 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at St. James Cemetery, Cross St., Naugatuck, CT.