Joanna Sturniolo

Joanna L. Sturniolo, 88, of Clearfield died on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at her residence in the Colonial Courtyard, Clearfield. The cause of death was acute kidney failure, following over eight years during which she required dialysis.

Miss Sturniolo, known by all as “Aunt” Joanna, was born on April 24, 1928 in Clearfield, a daughter of the late John and Antonia (Elia) Sturniolo. Her birthmother died when she was very young, and she was reared by her father’s second wife, Carmella T. (Casella) Sturniolo, with whom she lived for most of her life.

Joanna, a 1946 graduate of Clearfield High School, worked her entire adult life, and retired in 1991 after 22 years of service as an accounting assistant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, where she was also a member of the Rosary and Altar Society. She volunteered at the church in several capacities, including monitoring donations and as Eucharistic Minister at Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield. Joanna also volunteered for 40 years at the Cottage Gift Shop at the Clearfield Hospital.

“Aunt” Joanna had strong and life-long friendships with many in Clearfield, and she became the matron of the Sturniolo family after the death of Carmella Sturniolo. She was particularly loved by her many nieces and nephews, all of whom appreciated her unflinching and nonjudgmental dedication to them. All will miss her greatly.

She is survived by three brothers and their spouses: Frank M. Sturniolo and wife Marie of Clearfield, Vincent M. Sturniolo and wife Nanette of Clearfield, and Emery J. Sturniolo and wife Geena of Washington Grove, Maryland. She is also survived by three sisters and their spouses: Rose Catalano and husband Roy of Curwensville, Sara Campolong and husband John of McBee, South Carolina, and Josie Rattien and husband Steve of Washington, DC. She was predeceased by sister Tina Mitchell of Hastings, Pennsylvania. Joanna also has many nieces and nephews living all across the country.

Mass for a Christian burial will be said at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, on Saturday at 10:00 AM with Monsignor Krebs as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.

Friends will be received at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00PM and 6:00 to 8:00PM, with Rosary said at 5:45PM.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 South Front Street, Clearfield, or to the Williams Syndrome Association, 570 Kirts Boulevard, Suite 223, Troy, Michigan 48084-4156.

To sign the on-line guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.