Obituary of Joan Teresa Ascione

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Joan Ascione. Joan passed into the arms of Jesus on May 31st, 2021, The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Mary Mensch, her husband, Dr. Anthony R Ascione (Tony), and her grandson Michael Anthony. Joan was born in the Bronx. She attended Adelphi College and Central Islip Nurses Training. She worked as a nurse primarily in med-surg, psychiatry, and cardiac care. Joan was an amazing cook (self-taught), specializing in Italian cuisine; most Sundays included her delicious homemade sauce and pasta. She and her family lived in Long Island and Walton, NY before Joan & Tony relocated south, ending up in Bartow, Florida where they were long-time members of St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Joan was very involved in all areas of her church including Eucharistic Minister, Minister to the Sick, Food Pantry, and was famous for her Lenten fried fish fund raisers. Her last 6 months were spent living with her daughter in Owego, NY where she adopted St. Patrick's Church. Joan is survived by her brother Paul Mensch (Barbara) and her sister, Judy DePetrillo (Dom); her children, Diana Sonnega (Tim), Maria Howard, Anthony Ascione (Penny), and Michael Ascione; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be held on June 3, 2021 at St Patrick's Church, Owego, NY with Father Galens officiating. Services will be live streamed at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com (click on Joan's obituary). At a later date her children will have a graveside memorial at Bartow Cemetery where Joan will be interred next to her husband. Donations can be made in Joan's memory to St. Thomas Church, 1305 E Mann Rd., Bartow, FL 33830 or St. Patrick's Church, 309 Front St., Owego, NY 13827. To honor her, please consider offering a Mass for the repose of her soul at any Catholic Church. Condolences may be made to Joan's family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.