Obituary of Joanne Napoli

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Mrs. Joanne (Russo) Napoli, age 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 20th, 2022 with her husband and daughter by her side. Joanne was born in Utica, NY, December 4th, 1949, the daughter of Nicholas Russo and Lavinia (DelMonte) Russo.  Joanne was raised in Utica, educated at Blessed Sacrament and a graduate of DeSalles High School in Utica.  She continued her education at Marie Regina College in Syracuse, NY and received her teaching degree from Mount Saint Mary on the Hudson in Newburgh, N.Y. 

Upon graduation, Joanne worked at Oneida National Bank as a teller until accepting a teaching position as an elementary teacher with the Utica City School District in 1971. Joanne taught fourth grade most of her 34 year career with passion and love for her job and her students.

On August 10, 1974, Joanne was united in marriage with her husband, Nicholas Napoli. They have a daughter, Lisa (Napoli) Smith and two gorgeous granddaughters, Hannah and Ashlee, which she cherished deeply.  In September 2016, Joanne and Nicholas relocated to Sterling, Virginia to be closer to Lisa and the grandchildren.

Joanne enjoyed life’s simple pleasures including a night out with friends and a good conversation.  She was an avid reader and loved sitting down with a good book.  She loved playing board games and cards with her family when they came to visit.  Joanne had a kind heart and was always there to help others during their time of need. She had a special place in her heart for her dogs, three of which were shelter dogs.  She would spare nothing taking care of Sandy, JerryLee, Jake, and most recently, Reece. 

Joanne is survived by her beloved husband Nick, her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Brandon Smith, her granddaughters, Hannah and Ashlee Smith, her sister and her husband, Patricia and Arthur Columbe and her sister-in-law, Lucille Marasco, her Aunt Margarite Kidder, several cousins, nieces, and nephews, her close friend from work, Rose Baccaro, her dear friend growing up, Mary Annette Danella, her neighbors from Utica, Karen and Greg DeMetri, and cherished friends, Joe and Madeline Briggs. Joanne was predeceased by her beloved sister, Elizabeth (Becky) Riddell. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 from 10:00am - 11:00am at Adams Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA. A Celebration of Life and prayer service will be held immediately following the viewing.  Burial will take place at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Joanne’s name to the Humane Society of the United States or your local animal shelter.