Joanne M Pistello

Dewitt- Joanne Merritt Pistello, 77, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Crouse Irving Hospital, with her loving family at her side.

Joanne was born on December 19, 1944, the daughter of George Merritt and Ellen Hunt Feierabend.  Joanne attended and graduated from West Genesee High School and then she attended and studied at Onondaga Community College.  When Joanne was 8 years old, she met James Pistello, while they were both attending a Christmas party.  After seeing and meeting James, she told her aunt, “Someday I am going to marry that boy.”  In 1959, Joanne met James again and on June 18, 1966, they married in Camillus.  Their love has lasted since they were 8 years old, lasting to 55 years of marriage.  Joanne worked at the former Dey Brother’s and WT Grant department stores.  After her beloved boys were born, Joanne became a stay-at-home mother.  Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother and grandmother (Nana).  She spent most of her son’s early years transporting them to and from school, sporting events, as well as volunteering as a Cub Scout Den Mother.  Joanne also spent many years taking care of her grandchildren.  Her family enjoyed a variety of adventures and vacations as the result of her meticulous planning.  Memories they will never forget.  Joanne loved to spend time with family, especially during the holidays.  She also enjoyed planning/attending the annual Bubridello parties, feeding her backyard birds, doing crossword puzzles, playing Scategories, and researching genealogy for relatives and friends.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband of 55 wonderful years, James Pistello of Dewitt; her two sons, Michael (fiancé Valary Ambeyi) of Burbank, CA and Christian (wife Nichole Behm) of Baldwinsville; two beloved grandchildren, Chloe Landry and Andrew Pistello of Baldwinsville; her brother, James Merritt (wife Loretta Bellinger) of Camillus; her step brother, Christopher Feierabend of Fort Lauderdale, FL;  along with several nieces and nephews, and her loving puppy Honey Wicket.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 29, at 11 AM at Holy Cross Church with Fr. John Kurgan, as celebrant.  Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, from 4-7pm, at the Fairchild and Meech, Dewitt Chapel, 3690 East Erie Blvd., Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, a financial donation may be made in Joanne’s name to the Crouse Health Foundation, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210, or a blood donation came be made to the American Red Cross.

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