Giovanna Palazzolo

Giovanna Palazzolo, age 94, of Flushing, NY passed away peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2021 in her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Giovanna was born in the town of Cinisi, Provence of Palermo, Sicily, in 1926 to the late Salvatore and Marianna Leone. Giovanna was the second eldest of her late sister Agata Lafata and late brother Saverio Leone.

Giovanna was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Michele Palazzolo. 50 years ago, they relocated their family to Brooklyn, NY to live out the America Dream. Life as an immigrant family wasn’t always easy but through hard work they built a beautiful life full of family and love.

Giovanna was the rock of her family. We were all so blessed to have her presence and guidance throughout her long life. Her passion and love of family, food, and togetherness will be something forever remembered and cherished. Some of our fondest memories include those of baking homemade bread, cookies, pasta, and pizza. We cherish memories of making fresh tomato sauce each and every year together, with all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tending to her beautiful, fruitful garden was her pride, and listening to all her memories and wonderful stories of her life was always a joy. Her mind was very sharp and her memory precise, and she took pride in being independent. She was a devoted Catholic and felt peace reciting the rosary each evening.

Giovanna is survived by her five children, Concetta Palazzolo (Gaetano), Marianna Agrusa (Antonino), Nora Russo (Salvatore), Josephine Palazzolo and Joe Palazzolo.

She is the cherished "Nonna" (Grandmother) of Nicoletta (Domenico), Giovanna (Gianfranco) , Agatha (Giuseppe), Gaetano (Francesca), Frank (Maria), Salvatore (Angelina), Michael (Angela), Angela (Charles) and Joanna (Gaetano).

She is the adored “Big Nonna” (Great-Grandmother) of Paolo, Elisa, Pietro, Luca, Alice, Anthony, Michael, Francesca, Salvatore, Pietro, Giulia, Valentina, Aria, Matteo, Giovanni, Abbi, Eleonora and more to come...

We love you Big Nonna! We will miss your triple kisses, hugs and cookies!

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 5, 2021 at St. Andrew Avellino RC Church, 35-60 158th Street, Flushing, New York 11358. Entombment to follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, 72-02 Astoria Blvd., Elmhurst, NY 11370.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Palazzolo family.