Joe Lovano ~ Saxophonist & Composer

In tribute to my mom Josephine Verzi Lovano who left us on May 31st, the 16th day after her 85th birthday. She was a deep source of my inspiration and is in each breath I take and exhale to create music. Playing for her my whole life was what has guided me in so many directions. She was a great listener and a Soulful Passionate Sicilian Mama all the way!!!! In this time of deep sorrow and loss, we must celebrate the blessings of life and live everlasting. My sister Laura Jo Fiorilli, brothers Pat & Anthony and our entire family share in the glory of being inspired by our mom to be the best we can be. Trying to live up to the high standard she set is a challenge for all of us. She devoted her life taking care and nurturing all of us in the Lovano / Verzi families without hesitation.

Josephine Verzi was born May 15 1927 and by the time she met my dad around 1950, she had matured into a strong beautiful woman. My mom was a first generation Sicilian / American born into a huge family from 110th and Woodland in Cleveland Ohio, a rough neighborhood where she had to hold her own to survive. She lived and breathed for her three grandchildren Jenny, Marissa and Gina so they could carry on her legacy of love and inspiration. With the grace of God, he gave us my Mom, Dad, Uncle Sandy and Aunt Rose in particular as a team to guide us through our lifetimes and beyond.

Mom was full of Strength, Courage, Generosity, Wisdom, Compassion and Love. She loved Music and had a passion for cooking beyond compare, her meatballs and cookies are famous around the world. We were all truly blessed to have lived under the umbrella of her Sunshine!! We’re going to miss you ma but we are going to celebrate you each and every day throughout our lifetimes.

- Joey (June 2012)