Joanna A. Romeo

Albany- With profound sorrow and deep love, we share the passing of Joanna Assunata Romeo, who peacefully transitioned on March 25th, 2025. Her life was a gift- a beautiful story of strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

Born in Salerno, Italy on August 15th, 1941, to the late Gaetano and Teresa Donatantonio, Joanna's journey began with the rich traditions and deep rooted values of her homeland. At 17 years old she emigrated to the United States alongside her beloved parents and siblings—carrying with her the hopes, dreams, and strength that would shape the remarkable life she would go on to lead.

She first made a home in Brooklyn, New York, before planting deep roots in Albany, where Joanna helped build not only a family, but a legacy— Caffé Italia. More than a restaurant, it became a beloved cornerstone of the community: a place of gathering, nourishment, stories and laughter — just like Joanna herself. Joanna embodied the American Dream with humility, passion and tireless dedication. A visionary woman, she led with compassion and an open heart. Through every triumph and challenge, Joanna remained a pillar of unshakeable grace-her love for her family, faith, and community shining through in all she did. She is remembered for her sharp wit, brilliant smile

and boundless generosity. Her home was a refuge; her kitchen, a source of comfort and joy; her presence, a gift. Outside of her extraordinary culinary talent, Joanna was a gifted seamstress and designer, weaving her love and creativity into every stitch. Her creations were more than garments-they were expressions of care, often shared freely with loved ones and those in need. She found joy in life's simple pleasures: commanding the bingo table with flair (we all know the infamous phrase "sock it out"'), playing piano with grace, losing herself in the voice of Pavarotti, and savoring Fish Fry Fridays surrounded by beloved friends, and afternoons with her coffee clutch crew.

She is predeceased by her loving husband Joseph Romeo; her parents Gaetano and Teresa Donatantonio; her mother and father-in-law Josephine and Paul Romeo; her brother Ralph

Donatantonio Pina); Brother-in-laws Michael Romeo (Mary Grace), Michael Campiglia and Joseph Serafini; Sister Anna Paula Fontana; her nephews Gaetano Fontana and Steven Marcopolos

Joanna is lovingly remembered by her beloved children, Suzanne Romeo, Paul(Rita) Romeo, Maria Romeo-Karandy, and Michael(Lauren) Romeo; her sister Rosaria Serafini; her sister in laws; Rose Campiglia and Maria Marcopolis; her cherished grandchildren, Emily Karandy, Justin Romeo, Joseph Karandy, Gabriella Romeo-Artis, Isabella Romeo, Gianna Karandy, Clelia Romeo, Leah Schreiber-Romeo and, Joseph Schreiber-Romeo. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, their children, dear friends, loved ones, and grand-fur babies whose lives were touched by her unwavering love and warmth.

Joanna Assunta Romeo was more than a matriarch. She was a life force, a north star, a woman whose legacy lives on in every life she touched, every soul she fed, and every act of kindness she inspired. Though we mourn her physical absence, her light lives on— in memory, tradition, and in love. Our family will be forever grateful to all of the nurses, aides, chefs, clergy and support staff at The Teresian House for the tender love and care they provided our mother during her time there. You are all angels who were a godsend to our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Teresian House Foundation by visiting https://teresianhouse.org/donate/.