Ms. Johanna T. "Jo" Zongrone

UTICA – Ms. Johanna T. “Jo” Zongrone, age 91, went home to the Lord on Sunday, June 29, 2025. She had often prayed for the day that she would be reunited with her mother who was her best friend in life and will now be again for eternity. Born in Utica on June 7, 1934, Johanna was the daughter of the late John and Fannie (Carlone) Zongrone. She was a proud member of the T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1952. Upon graduation, Jo immediately joined the workforce. She held assembler and secretarial positions in various local manufacturing facilities beginning with General Electric Co., UNIVAC, Bendix and lastly at PAR Technology, where she spent most of her career. A deeply family-oriented individual, Jo treated her nieces and nephews — and even her beloved brother, David, at times — as if they were her own children. She particularly relished holidays and time spent travelling with her loved ones who were her greatest joy in life. Jo was lovingly devoted to the care and comfort of her mother, Fannie. The two were inseparable and did everything together. Jo always sought to repay her mother’s generosity of raising five children, and she took great pride in making Fannie’s life easier. She lived with her and tended to her every need — truly repaying her beloved mother in full, and then some. Jo was fiercely independent and took great pride in caring for herself — she was self-sufficient and never relied on others for help, even though she knew she could. A go-getter by nature, no challenge was too great for her. She even learned to drive in her 40s, a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning. Jo kept meticulous records and was remarkably organized. She always stood up for what she believed in, especially if it meant helping others. She prayed daily for guidance from those who had gone before her and believed that speaking aloud could be heard by those in heaven. Jo is survived by her sisters, Barbara Conte (the late Frank J. Conte), and Eugenia “Jean” Circhirilo (the late Victor J. Circhirilo); and brother and sister-in-law, David L. Sr. and Maria (Bevivino) Zongrone. She cherished the memory of her sister, Rosemary Rzepka, who preceded her. She also leaves to cherish her memory nieces and nephews, Donna Marie and Bruce Kistner, John and Paula Rzepka; Jeffrey and Emmy Conte, Christopher Conte; Lisa and David Christian; and David A. Zongrone, Jr.; great-nieces, great-great-nieces, and a great-great-nephew. She particularly held close bonds with Donna Marie, and David, Jr. with whom she made beautiful memories filled with much laughter. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins. She was additionally predeceased by her adored nephew, Marc Circhirilo. Sincere gratitude is extended to Trista Fuller from the Masonic Home for her care, comfort, and for being a friend to Jo and her family. Thank you as well to the doctors and nurses at Wynn Hospital, especially of the 7th floor, for being genuine in tending to Jo and her family. In honoring Jo’s wishes, her family will honor and commemorate her life privately. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Jo will be laid to rest beside her beloved mother, Fannie, in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Ms. Johanna T. "Jo" Zongrone

June 7, 1934 - June 29, 2025