Joann Abbatello-Lanier

Joann “Jody” Augustine Abbatello-Lanier, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the age of 75 years old. Jody was born in Stamford, CT, on October 17, 1949, the daughter of Frank Gerbasi and Frances Conetta, predeceased by her brother Bill Johnson. She spent most of her life in Connecticut and raised her family in Northford, CT, before enjoying her remaining 20 years living in Sarasota, FL.

Jody’s caring and joyful nature was shared throughout her life and career in a multitude of service positions including nursing, special education, and housekeeping. In her earlier years, she was a self-proclaimed “hippie”, having attended Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in 1969. She became a passionate mother of three boys, involved throughout the community as a soccer coach and player, craft maker, and Boy Scout troop leader. Making her home a beacon in the neighborhood, she put together an annual Backyard Carnival, decorated for every holiday, and made her children’s friends feel welcome, holding a unique relationship with each of them. She was care free at heart and creative with a passion for singing, dancing, and cooking. She maintained a unique dialect derivative of her Italian roots, using phrases like “scarole” for escarole and “mishconbrul” for messy. Her love for warmth and sunshine influenced her move to sunny Florida in 2004 where she proudly carved out her own slice of paradise on Siesta Key, building meaningful friendships and lasting relationships throughout her vibrant social life along the way. A quintessential night out with Jody meant lots of laughs and dancing, having met her now husband on an unforgettable night at Servandos in 2016. She enjoyed playing golf, laying out on and walking the surrounding area’s beaches, staying active, and spending quality time with family and friends. Jody kept and cared for many animals throughout her life, leaving her two beloved parrots with her spouse; a parakeet named Sonny and cockatiel named Yoda. She was an avid fashionista and an active ambassador for Younique beauty products, impressing her viewers on regular livestream makeup tutorials. Let us all remember her bright, trendy, and extensive wardrobe of outfits to match every occasion. She was loved by so many and will be tremendously missed by all.

Jody is survived by her husband of seven years Robert Lanier, her three sons James “Bear” (Ashley Cassidy), Craig “String Bean”(Marybeth Abbatello), and Michael “Cheeks” (Brian Cafasso) Abbatello, as well as her three grandsons who she loved dearly; Sebastian, Evan, and Oliver Abbatello. Also survived by her loving Aunt Louise, cousins, extended family, and friends.

We invite Jody’s family and friends to come together for an emphatic ‘Toodles’ with a Celebration of Life to be held on Friday, March 7 from 12-3PM at Tradition at Palm Aire clubhouse; 8445 Gardens Circle, Sarasota, FL 34243.

In lieu of flowers and to support Jody’s love for Siesta Key, you may choose to make a donation to the Siesta Key Environmental Defense Fund, established to educate and advocate for the protection and preservation of the environmentally sensitive structures and areas of Siesta Key: https://skedf.org/donations/donate-now