Joanne Marie (Paglia) Tonzi

Joanne M. (Paglia) Tonzi, 82, passed away in Jupiter, Florida on July 12, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born on March 4, 1942, in Syracuse, N.Y. to loving parents, Paul and Mary Paglia.

Joanne grew up in The Valley and graduated from Onondaga Academy in 1962. She met the love of her life, Pete Tonzi, at a high school dance in Auburn during a brief period when her family lived there. Their 64th wedding anniversary would have been on August 5, 2025. “Jo” raised their two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Gina and worked on and off until 1993. Her favorite job was working in the Women’s Department at Sibley’s downtown where she made many good friends and was a customer favorite. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially her pasta sauce and apple and blueberry pies. “Jo” started running in the 1980s while a member of The Track and Raquet Club. She ran most every day and completed The Boilermaker in Utica and other 5k races. She remained friends with many of the people who shared her love of fitness. Following in her mom’s footsteps, Joanne was an amazing seamstress and decorator. She made everything from dolls, handbags, and clothes. She also wallpapered and painted like a master. She could recreate anything that she saw in a magazine. The homes she shared with Pete were one-of-a-kind and filled with her creations. At the time of her death, she and Pete lived in PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Joanne is predeceased by her parents and older brother, Paul of Katonah, N.Y. She is survived by her beloved husband, Peter, her daughters, Lisa Tonzi (Edward Grassi), Gina Ajmo (Jay), both from Jupiter, Florida and grandchildren, Jay Jr, and Gianna Ajmo. She also leaves two special sisters-in-law, Pat Tonzi O’Mara, and Andrea Tonzi Cosentino.

Jo’s funeral will be held on Saturday, August 9th at Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Avenue, Auburn, N.Y. Visitation will be from 10:00-10:45 with mass at 11:00. Please join the family following the service for lunch at Lasca’s, 252 Grant Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, please make a small contribution to Tunnels to Towers, Helping Hounds, or any no-kill animal sanctuary. She would love that.

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