Methuen - Josephine A. Fisichella (formerly Uszynski), 89, a lifelong resident of the Merrimack Valley, passed away peacefully in Savannah, Georgia, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, after spending her final three years there to be closer to her children.

Born in Lawrence on August 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Agatha Fisichella and was raised in Methuen. She graduated from Edward F. Searles High School in 1953 and earned degrees from both Boston University and Merrimack College. Over the years, she worked for various companies, attorneys, and doctors, and spent much of her professional career at Merrimack College. She also belonged to the Ladies of Merrimack and served as Past President of the North Andover Women's Club.

"Jo" as she was known, always put family first. She would often host big holiday celebrations, was a fantastic cook carrying on the traditional recipes of her mother and loved going to her kids' sporting events from the time they were little throughout high school. She cherished her dear friends for decades and kept up correspondence with them well into her 80s via cards and email. She adored Hampton Beach, playing Scrabble, watching women's basketball, and keeping up with the Pats, Sox, and Celtics.

Jo was predeceased by her beloved siblings, Mary Ferrera, Concetta Fisichella, and Angelo Fisichella.

She is survived by her daughter, Arlene (Uszynski) Distel and her husband Jon of Savannah, Georgia; her son, Al Uszynski of Atlanta, Georgia; her granddaughter, Megan Warren and her husband Alex of Decatur, Georgia, and their son, Michael; and her grandson, Jack Uszynski of Peachtree City, Georgia.

She also leaves her devoted nieces and nephews: Linda Broderick and her husband Tom; Agnes McGrail; Les Bernal and his wife Eileen; Connie Jo Beer and her husband Ted; Angelo Fisichella and his wife Lauryn; and Christopher Fisichella, along with many loving great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Shrine in Lawrence via: https://www.hrslawrence.org/donate/

Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 8 to 9 a.m. at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Shrine, 28 Union Street, Lawrence. Burial to follow in the Fisichella family plot at Bellevue Cemetery.