Joanne R. (DiPietrantonio) Fanelli

Joanne R. Fanelli of Aldan Boro, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, October 17th.

Joanne was the daughter of the late Josephine (Dolly) and Joe DiPietrantonio and was a Philadelphia native, born and raised in South Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry section and in Southwest Philadelphia.

Throughout her life, Joanne was a daughter, a mother, a wife, a worker, a cousin, and a cherished friend to so many, but her most prized title was “Mom-Mom.” She cherished her grandchildren Gabriella, Amelia, and Luca beyond measure, as she helped raise them and watched them grow with unending pride. She was a devoted mother to her son Sam, and daughter, Anna Marie, working hard as a single parent most of her life to provide opportunities for them to learn and grow, always making sure they understood the importance of family, traditions, compassion, and the meaning of unconditional love. 

Joanne had a heart for children and those who needed help in any way. She was a giver, extraordinarily selfless and generous with her time and efforts, despite struggles of her own. Throughout her life, she held many positions in health and human services, including as a community services coordinator matching families in need with resources through the Office of the Mayor in Philadelphia and assisting newly minted adult vocational school graduates with job placement. After retirement from Mercy Health, she became a “Volunteer Grandmom” to the children in Aldan Elementary school, taking time to read and care for kindergarteners through second graders, listening to them, showing them kindness and love. 

Joanne also had a close circle of lifelong friends who cherished her friendship and her sage advice. She was fiercely loyal, outspoken about injustice, and unapologetically honest. She also was a voracious reader, eager to know more about a wide range of topics from spirituality to psychology.  She was always up for a conversation with deep and meaningful insights about life,  love, and the struggles of being human.

Joanne is survived by her husband Louis Frantanduono, her beloved daughter, Anna Marie DiLossi, her son, Samuel Fanelli,  her son-in-law Cosmo DiLossi, and her cherished grandchildren, the light of her life: Gabriella, Ameilia, and Luca DiLossi.

Close relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation, Thursday, October 24, 2024, 9:30AM St. Joseph Catholic Church, 500 Woodlawn Avenue, Collingdale, PA 19023 and to her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM in the Church. Int. private