Joanna Medina

Joanna Medina, 88, was born on June 20, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, to William Fuccillo and Teresa D’Abruzzi. From the very beginning, family was at the center of Joanna’s life, and it remained that way for all 88 years of it.

Although Joanna was an only child, she was never without family surrounding her. She grew up alongside her cousin Marion, who was much more like a sister than a cousin, and later gained seven sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law who became siblings to her in every way that mattered.

Joanna met the love of her life, John, when she was just 13 years old. They grew up together, built a life together, and spent a lifetime by one another’s side. Together, they raised their two daughters, Gina and Lori, and created the close and loving family that would become Joanna’s greatest source of happiness.

There was nothing in this world Joanna loved more than her family. She was a devoted mother to Gina and Lori, a loving mother-in-law to John and Bobby, and an extraordinary grandmother to Nicole, Johnny, Tyler, and Christian, as well as a loving grandmother-in-law to Anthony. Being a mother and grandmother was not simply part of Joanna’s life — it was who she was.

She showed her love by taking care of people. She cooked for them, fed them, worried about them, celebrated them, and made sure no one ever left her home hungry. She loved cooking for her family and baking cookies around the holidays, creating traditions and memories that will remain with them forever.

Joanna was also happiest in the little things. She loved ice cream, watching Family Feud at night, getting her nails done, and anything that sparkled. She loved a good shopping spree — especially a trip to her favorite store, IGA — and she could always find something she simply had to bring home. Some of her happiest days were spent sitting on the sidelines or in the stands at her grandchildren’s sporting events. Wherever they were, she wanted to be there.

Those who knew Joanna will remember her for much more than the things she loved. They will remember how she made people feel. Joanna was extraordinarily sweet, kind, happy, and loving. She could light up a room simply by walking into it. Her smile was beautiful, her happiness was contagious, and her laugh was unmistakable — the kind of laugh that made everyone around her want to laugh with her.

She was the person everyone could count on. She celebrated every good moment, helped her family through the difficult ones, and had an incredible ability to make every person she loved feel seen, important, and cared for. Joanna never needed a reason to take care of someone. It was simply in her nature.

Just four months before Joanna’s passing, she lost John, the husband she had loved since she was 13 years old. After spending nearly their entire lives together, his absence left an enormous void. While her family is heartbroken to lose her, they find comfort in believing that Joanna and John — who grew up together, raised a family together, and shared a lifetime side by side — are together once again.

Joanna leaves behind a family shaped by the love she gave so freely throughout her life. Her warmth, generosity, traditions, and devotion to those she loved will continue through them for generations to come.

She was the heart of her family, and she will be loved and missed beyond words.

Visitation for Joanna will be held at a James Funeral Home in Massapequa, NY on Sunday, October 4th between 2 pm – 9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Maria Regina Church in Seaford, NY on Monday, October 5th at 11 am. Entombment to follow at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.