RITA GIOVANNONE
RITA GIOVANNONE
Rita Mae Giovannone, 90, of Wintersville died Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Valley Hospice. She was born August 3, 1935 to Mary and Cardino DiLeonardo of Mingo Junction, Ohio. She was a graduate of Mingo Junction High School and married Joseph Emilio Giovannone of Steubenville, Ohio on June 25, 1955.
In her early years, Rita went to work straight out of high school as a bookkeeper at a local retail store. When she and Joe started their family, she took some time off to be the most incredible stay-at-home mother to her 3 daughters. As her children grew older, she worked as an optical technician at Dr. Milorad Millic’s office in Steubenville for 35 years. There she developed lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.
Rita’s greatest joy in life was the family she built. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to those she loved. Her daughters were the center of her world, and she spent her life showering them with unconditional love and support. Rita was an amazing wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grand mother, and friend. She was truly an angel sent from God above to all. She was strong, loving, kind, and her heart was big and pure.
Rita loved her family above all else. Some of her favorite times were spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Among her favorite pastimes were visiting Vickie and Bill and their family in Austin, Texas; meeting ‘the girls’ for their luncheons; soaking up the sunshine whenever she had the chance; playing Scrabble, and shopping.
Rita’s faith was also a guiding light throughout her life. This provided her with strength and a sense of purpose that she passed down to the rest of her family.
Though our hearts are broken by her loss, Rita’s love, wisdom, and beautiful spirit will remain with us forever. She will be eternally missed and lovingly remembered every day.
Rita is survived by her daughters Vickie (Bill) McKean, Sharon Giovannone, and Kathy (David) Deptula. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Billy (Dovie) McKean, Danny (Danielle) McKean, Rachel (David) Kemp, Adrianna Deptula, and Luke Deptula. Her great-grandchildren Emmy Lou McKean, Carter Kemp, Colt McKean, and Crenshaw McKean. And finally by many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rita was preceded in death by her loving husband Joseph Emilio Giovannone, her parents Cardino and Mary DiLeonardo, and her brothers Thomas, Romeo, Edward, and William (Billy) DiLeonardo.
Visitation will take place on June 19th from 2pm-6pm at Mosti’s Funeral Home. A funeral liturgy with Mass will be held in Rita’s honor on Saturday, June 20th at 11:30 am at Triumph of the Cross (Holy Rosary Church) with burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com