Obituary of Joanna M. Leone

In Memory of Joanna M. Leone 1967-2023

Joanna M. Leone, age 56, formerly of Trumbull, CT passed away on December 24, 2023, after an unexpected illness at St. Vincent's Medical Center in CT. She was the daughter of the late Donato and Antonetta Leone.

Joanna loved to travel and enjoyed visiting New England's shoreline towns with her friends and family. Her favorite destination was her parents' hometown of San Donato Val di Comino, Italy. She was an avid writer and wrote poetry and stories about growing up as a first-generation Italian American. In 2011, she published her stories in her book "Slices of Life". She loved the Italian culture especially the people and food. She traveled to her favorite places in Little Italy, the North End of Boston and Federal Hill, Providence to get specialty Italian foods. She loved the outdoors, nature and hiking.

She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was President of the Debate Team. She donated her time and energy to several local organizations including Valley United Way, Whitney Manor in Hamden and the Trumbull Senior Center. Joanna was an active member with the Bridgeport Area Cultural Italian Organization, the Italian American Societies of Greater Bridgeport, and the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, where she served as 2nd Vice President of the Valley Regional Lodge #151 in Derby. She was also a 2023 recipient of the Meritorious Award, an award bestowed on a member of the Sons & Daughters of Italy for demonstrating their passion, commitment and dedication in preserving, protecting and promoting our Italian heritage.

She is predeceased by Donato Leone, Susan and Rich Buczek and Cyd Leone. She leaves behind Rita and Robert Lichtman, Mark Muccino, Lucia Leone and Robert Ubaldo, as well as many relatives and friends.

Joanna will be remembered as a very loving, kind and caring person with a beautiful one-of-a kind spirit that danced to the beat of her own drum. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

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Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Cemetery, 500 Moose Hill Road, Monroe, CT.  A reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, Valley Regional Lodge #151, 73 High Street, Derby, CT  06418. Please reference “Scholarship Fund – Joanna Leone”.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.