Jo-Ann Balsamini

JoAnn Veronica Balsamini, 79, of Pleasant Plains, a retired esthetician devoted to family, friends, and faith, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 8th, 2020.

The former JoAnn Minio was born in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn and graduated from Bay Ridge High School. Passionate about making people smile, she worked with her local community in the Brooklyn Public Library system and the Angel Guardian Home. JoAnn continued helping people feel like the best version of themselves through decades of performing skin beautification treatments. Her clients included an eclectic host of TV anchors, actors, and professionals across Bay Ridge, Park Slope, and California's Bay Area.

She married her childhood sweetheart, Dean L. Balsamini, who shared her sense of humor and dedication to family. The couple was married 59 years this month, have been active residents of Staten Island since 1973, and were parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church.

JoAnn loved fashion, music ranging from Johnny Mathis to Stevie Wonder, and cooking elaborate Italian dinners. She championed the underdog, always celebrated the positive qualities in people, and was quick with a quip to lighten any mood.

She cherished her grandchildren, Stella and Derek, and daughters-in-law, Patricia and Laura. In addition to her husband Dean, JoAnn is survived by sons Dean and David, sister Elaine, and brothers Frank and Joseph.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jo-Ann's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Funeral is from Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home on Monday 9:15 a.m., with 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St.Thomas RC Church. Friends & family may visit from 2-5, 7-9 p.m.