Joan Bongiovanni

Joan “Jo Ann” Bongiovanni, 81, of Washington, succumbed peacefully to illness on February 15, 2013, with family by her side. She was born August 16, 1931, in Mansfield, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas Morris and Mary Randolph Morris. Mrs. Bongiovanni attended Trinity Schools and worked at G.C. Murphy Co. at the candy counter, and at Hazel Atlas #2 as a packer. She was a member of St. Hilary Church and its Christian Mothers group. Mrs. Bongiovanni enjoyed being with her grandchildren, playing bingo, music, singing and dancing. Shortly after high school, she met Anthony Bongiovanni, her soul mate. They were married on June 2, 1951, and, for 61 years, shared a bond that transcended marriage. Surviving are her husband, Anthony Bongiovanni, Sr., a son Anthony Bongiovanni, Jr., (Theresa) of Follansbee, West Virginia; a daughter, Mary Jo Bongiovanni of Washington; a brother, George “Buddy” Morris of Washington; a sister, Janet Eisert of Washington; two grandchildren, Brianne Sweetland (Matt) and Elisabeth DiSalvio; a step-grandchild, Michael Kachur; and two great-grandsons. Deceased are a brother, William Morris, and a sister, Ruth George. The pain of loss reaches many cousins, nieces and nephews as well as dear friends. Throughout her life, she was loved and admired by family and friends alike for her faith, loyalty and compassion. Friends will be received Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, February 18th, in St. Hilary Church, with Father Thomas O’Neil as celebrant. Entombment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery.