Jo Ann Geraci

Jo Ann Geraci, born July 18, 1929, passed away on August 24, 2021. She was the beloved wife of 49 years to the late Rosario Joseph Geraci, loving mother of Jeff, (Cheryl), Doug, Amy (Steve) Frey, and Jon, grandmother to CJ, Benjamin, Sean Douglas, Sean Michael, Zach and Scott and sister to the late Claire Jean and Jerry. Jo Ann was one of the last of her families’ generation, survived only by her life-long cousin and cherished friend, Rita.

As a child, Jo Ann loved to walk for miles, ice skate and ride her bike. When living in Buffalo, her relatives loved to visit and would always ask to see Niagara Falls. She had gone so many times that after a while she would say to her parents, “Please don’t make me go to the falls again, please!!” and then run off and hide. After graduating from college, she taught second grade at St. Williams Catholic School. She loved teaching children that age. She worked at the library at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Grade School in Reading and even substituted second grade where she taught some of her children. Needless to say, they got their homework done on time! She also spent 30 years at Head Start in Cincinnati. Jo Ann volunteered countless hours at church and local non-profit organizations.

Jo Ann loved to travel. By the time she went to High School, she lived in Cincinnati, Buffalo twice, Bridgeport, CT and Ilion, NY. After moving too many times, her parents finally said that’s enough and the family moved back to Cincinnati, where she spent the rest of her life. After graduating from college, Jo Ann traveled Europe and Mexico. Sunday afternoons were spent at picnics, parks, beaches and with family. She loved going to the ocean, but believe it or not, was not much of a swimmer. Later in life, her favorite destinations were Florida and various trips out west.

Family and relatives always came first, especially on holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, Sunday’s or any other special occasion, which seemed to occur on a weekly basis. She always made holidays special and there were traditional decorations and food for each. Who can forget staying up past midnight for New Years, real dyed eggs on Easter, burgers and dogs on the grill for all summer holidays, endless candy on Halloween, turkey, homemade stuffing and pie for Thanksgiving and a real tree, cookies from scratch and presents for Christmas. She helped make all occasions special.

Jo Ann and her husband were long-time members of the 50/50 club in Cincinnati. In fact, their first date was to a club dance. They both enjoyed dancing and frequently went to dances on Saturday evenings. They both also loved to play cards. Most family and club events involved card playing and their card playing talents were handed down to their children.

Between raising four children, working, volunteering, spending time with relatives and social activities, there was never a dull moment in the Geraci family. Jo Ann never had a bad thing to say about anyone, was well loved, kind to all and raised a wonderful family. She will be missed, but we’re happy she’s in heaven with her husband Joe, sister Claire Jean, brother Jerry, father Arnold, Mother Coletta and the rest of her extended family, whom she has dearly missed for so many years. God bless them all for making life so precious for all of us! Jo Ann will forever be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Visitation is at Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 9am on Tuesday, August 31, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10, followed by burial at Gate of Heaven cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Home Care of Cincinnati.

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