JoAnn Francesconi, 86, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026. She was born March 28, 1940, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to the late Emidio James and Anna (De Maio) D’Orazio.
On May 7, 1960, JoAnn married Robert (Bob) Lee Francesconi, who preceded her in death on April 1, 2025. A 1958 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, JoAnn was always happy to share that she fulfilled her dreams by marrying her high school sweetheart and raising a family together with Bob. A devoted wife and mother, JoAnn was a wonderful cook and baker, being especially remembered for her Christmas cookies. She was proud of both her Italian background and her devout Catholic faith, where she was a member of Holy Family Parish in La Porte, IN, and a previous member of Our Lady of Sorrows in South Haven, Indiana, and St. Michael Catholic Church-Saints Joachim and Anne Parish in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.
JoAnn is survived by 4 children Robert (LaRue) Francesconi, Jr. of Chesterfield, MO, Mark (Laura) Francesconi of La Porte, IN, Lisa (Ian) Francesconi-Esterhuizen of Trabuco Canyon, CA and Michael (Kara) Francesconi of Yorkville, IL; 8 grandchildren, Jenna (Zach Kiger) Francesconi, Nicolas Francesconi, Gino (Ashlie) Francesconi, Natalie Francesconi, Ava Francesconi, Lola Francesconi, Joe Francesconi and Leo Francesconi; and 4 great-grandchildren Otto & Colbie Kiger and Charlotte & Hank Francesconi.
In addition to her parents and husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by her infant daughter Lori Ann Francesconi, stepfather Victor Vittori, and siblings Marie (Andy) Sostaric, Frank (Josephine) D’Orazio, and Viola (Joseph) Mihalich.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at St. Joachim & Anne Parish, St. Michael's Church, 101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037 with Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating, with final resting place in Round Hill Cemetery also in Elizabeth.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or St. Michael Catholic Church,101 McLay Dr., Elizabeth, PA 15037.
Arrangements by Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte. Out-of-state arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, PA.
Those wishing to light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for the family are invited to visit esslingfuneralhome.com.
