Joanne Porcaro

Hornell, NY

Joanne Marie Porcaro – 88 – of 119 East Elm St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born September 11, 1934 and was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Joanne attended Bryant School, Hornell Junior High School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1952).

For a time, Joanne was employed as a sales clerk at the former Cards Drug Store in Hornell. She also served as a cook at the Hornell Knights of Columbus, working countless private parties. For many years she was employed as a cook in the cafeteria of the Hornell High School, whipping up delicious meals for hundreds of hungry students and teachers every day.

Joanne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she donated countless hours as a member of the St. Ann’s Church cleaning Crew. She had also been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and a lifetime member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Having a great “culinary gift,” Joanne loved cooking & baking especially for family gatherings and holidays. No one ever left her home hungry!

She was married on May 26, 1956 to Leo J. Porcaro for 63 years, who died March 4, 2020. Joanne was also preceded in death by 4 sisters, Mary Ann Losecco, Dorothy Ermy, Janice Davis & Patty Lenhart; her brother, Karl Secondo; and her son-in-law, George “Joe” Richardson.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Rene Richardson of St. Petersburg, FL and Mary Magari of Syracuse; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” Porcaro of Hornell and Nicholas (Kathleen) Porcaro of Arkport; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Joey Porcaro, Amy (Matt) Baldassare, Elizabeth “Liz” (Chris) Gandolfo, Kathryn Porcaro, Julie (Philip) Rubin, Jill (Craig) Reeves, Phillip Magari, Kaleigh (Chris Lafler) Porcaro, Christopher (Kirsten) Porcaro and Nicole (Dustin) Romanos; her great-grandchildren, Vinny Baldassare, Christian Baldassare, Gabriel Baldassare, Emma Baldassare, Spencer Porcaro, Quinn Porcaro, Ford Gandolfo, Leo Romanos and Rylee Porcaro; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne Marie Porcaro will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery next to her husband, Leo.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

 

7 Responses to “Joanne Porcaro”

  1. Robert Pardi says:

    My condolences to the Porcaro Family. May Joanne rest in peace with her Husband Leo and her Brother Carle, Mary Ann, Dorothy, Janice, Patty, and son-in-law Joe

  2. Christopher Nogaro says:

    Porcaro Family,

    I was so saddened and sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I am Lenny and Joanne Caruso’s cousin from Buffalo.
    I had the pleasure of meeting Joanne and Leo many years ago at Beato Angelo celebrations in Hornell, and they graciously attended a few celebrations that I hosted in Buffalo. But a memory that I hold dear is a visit that I had last summer at your mom’s with Joanne LoVerde and Mary Ann (Radoccia) and Richard Argentieri. We had such a delightful time together, reminiscing, laughing, eating delicious pizzelle, and learning the “true art” of drying and preparing red peppers. We had quite a culinary lesson from your mom!

    God bless your mom and grandma. She was a lovely person whom I am honored to have known.
    I will surely miss seeing her when I visit Hornell this summer.
    Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

    Warmest Regards,
    Chris

  3. Jim Egger says:

    Rick, Renee, Nick, May …. I am sorry to hear about the passing of your mom.

  4. Mary Cartella says:

    Dear Rene and families,
    My heartfelt sympathy upon hearing that your Mom has entered the Gates of Heaven. Take care.

  5. thomas n drumm says:

    She was such a wonderful lady. Thoughts & Prayers to the Porcaro family

    Tom Drumm

  6. cousin Tom and Mary Secondo says:

    We will miss her dearly and our heartfelt condolences to her Family

  7. Margaret Huerter says:

    Sincere condolences to the Porcaro families! So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, grandma, and great grandma! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sure Joanne is looking down proudly on her loving family!

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