Johanna B. Distefano (nee D’Andrea), 75, of Northvale, entered into restful peace on Thursday, July 26, 2012. Johanna grew up in Orange, NJ, the daughter of the late Berardino and Anna D’Andrea. Johanna attended Immaculata College in Immaculata, PA and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Home Economics. She went on to receive her Masters in Special Education in 1992. On a blind date set up by her aunt and uncle, she met the love of her life, Louis Distefano.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Louis, and 6 children; Lou and his wife Theresa of Valley Cottage, NY, Cynthia Metzger and her husband Gene of Washington Twp., Lisa Ortelere of Mahwah, Nadine of Suffern, NY, Robert and his wife Carole of Wall, and Jim of Brooklyn, NY. She was predeceased in death by her son Joseph. She was the dear sister of Bernardino D’Andrea, Rita Harvey, Rosangela Zaccaria and the late Catherine and Salvatore.
Nonni was adored by her eight grandchildren; Brady, Logan, and Kaidyn Distefano; Isabella and Emma Metzger; Joseph Ortelere; and Nicholas and Katie Distefano. Nonni took great pride and joy in attending their many school and sports-related activities and watching them grow into the fine young people they are.
Johanna worked at Bergen County Vo-Tech High School in Paramus as a teacher of the handicapped for 25 years. An avid knitter, Johanna loved making beautiful sweaters for her children and grandchildren. She was also a talented painter, loved to dance, and was a member of the “Red Hat Club”. “Hot Nonni” could be seen driving around town in her red convertible and straw hat. She and Louis were former members of the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Throughout their lives they enjoyed travelling around the world and wintering in Naples, FL.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday 10 AM at St. Anthony’s RC Church, Northvale with entombment to follow at Madonna Mausoleum, Fort Lee. Visiting hours are Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Anthony R. Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Northvale Volunteer Ambulance Corps., 196 Firenze Street, Northvale, NJ 07647.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com