Mrs. JoAnne E. (Gentile) Colenzo

UTICA- Mrs. JoAnne E. (Gentile) Colenzo passed away after a brief illness on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the age of 68. JoAnne was born in Manhattan, NY, on June 7, 1954, to the late Philip Jr. and Lois D. “Pat” (Suskind) Gentile. She graduated with the Whitesboro High School Class of 1971 and went on to the Utica School of Commerce to become a Medical Assistant. She worked for doctors both in the Utica area and in Florida after her family’s first relocation. On October 25, 1981, JoAnne was married to Luke Colenzo. Everything they did, they did together, and once their boys came into their life, they all made a great team. Starting In 1987, JoAnne and Luke moved to Florida and back to New York a number of times. While residing in Florida, JoAnne enjoyed multiple positions working for both the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals baseball organizations during spring training. When JoAnne was in New York, she took pride in her position as an events manager at the Munson Williams Proctors Arts Institute and eventually was promoted to Assistant Director of Performing Arts. Both of these career paths netted her many wonderful friendships. JoAnne had a love for the arts, photography and baseball. She was fortunate enough to design a life that combined her passions and careers in every step of her life. JoAnne had many shots featured in periodicals and trade journals, including Baseball America and Sports Illustrated with a number of her photos used for Fleer, Score, Upper Deck and Topps trading cards. She was gracious and kind, a wonderful person who gave sound advice, mixed with a great sense of humor balanced with perfect timing and the right amount of sarcasm. In addition to her many hobbies and professional skills, JoAnne was talented in the kitchen, making meatballs, lunches, Sunday dinners, and holiday treats. Above all else, JoAnne’s proudest accomplishment was raising her boys to be great men. Even though her life was cut short, it was so full and filled with love. JoAnne is survived by her husband, Luke Colenzo; and her sons, Michael (and Nicole) Colenzo, and Anthony (and Emma) Colenzo. She is additionally survived by her beloved grandchildren, Luke Colenzo, Mia Colenzo, and another on the way. Her sisters, Gail Gibson, and Victoria (and Barry) Kessler. JoAnne held close to her heart the memory of her brother, Michael Gentile, who predeceased her in August 2012. She is survived by her nephews, Scooby Royer, and Nick Messier; her niece, Rachel Gibson; and was predeceased by her nephew Philip Royer in March 2019. She also leaves behind Luke’s daughters, spouses, and their children, Alicia Pfluke and Bill, Mary and John Guarascio, and Pam and Bruce Ward. JoAnne cherished countless friendships throughout the journey of life. JoAnne’s celebration of Life will be held at Handshake City Park on Sunday May 21, 2023 under the direction of “her boys” Michael and Anthony.

Mrs. JoAnne E. (Gentile) Colenzo

June 7, 1954 - April 7, 2023