Joanne E. Rittell's Obituary
Joanne E. (DiGregorio) Rittell, 75, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at Francis House with her beloved husband of 54 years, John by her side.
She is predeceased by her son, Jeffrey T. Rittell and her daughter, Jennifer L. Rittell.
In addition to her husband, Joanne is survived by three sisters, Diane (John) Hernandez, Maria Delores (Eddie) Zackowski and Suzanne Moran, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Life Church, 7125 Collamer Rd, East Syracuse, NY 13057.
Donations may be made to Francis House, 108 Michael’s Ave Syracuse, NY 13208.
How does one begin to capture and give fitting tribute to a life as remarkable as that of Joanne
Rittell? We can begin with the fifty-four years of love and laughter with her best friend and
husband John (who is always quick to add the two years they dated to that number). They built a
home together on 500 Sidney Street, beginning forty-eight years ago---a home that was as open
as the hearts of those who lived under its roof. Central to that story is their devotion to their two
children Jeff and Jennifer, who both predeceased Joanne. A truly remarkable feature about
Joanne is how she was able to comfort others through the lens of that great loss. Her life was
marked by giving everywhere she went. Her Christian faith was lived out in countless ways of
giving and loving. Joanne was a devoted and passionate nurse at St. Joseph’s hospital, a career
that she approached as a vocation in every way. Through the Wee Care ministry at Gollisano
Children’s hospital, Joanne brought smiles, love, stuffed animals, bingo excitement, and prayers
to the young patients and their families. Joanne was legendary for her commitment and passion
to sending cards to anyone in her circles, and to their loved ones. Many is the person who will be
walking around heaven asking, “Where is this Joanne Rittell who sent me a card just when I
needed it? I have to meet this woman!” For years Joanne faithfully participated in small prayer
triplets, investing her energy and love into those individuals and families brought into Joanne’s
‘family.’ In her later years, Joanne found a fresh community of love, fun, and service in Friends
Fellowship---an ecumenical weekly ministry of seniors gathering to share life together. Another
remarkable thread of the tapestry that is Joanne’s life is her close relationship with her three
sisters: Diane, Delores, and Suzanne. Everything from holidays to trips around the country, and
daily phone conversations on any and every subject, color the beautiful landscape of that sisterly
love. Anyone who has known Joanne has a story about how she has impacted their life---ranging
from special gifts, to cards, to straight-in-your eye asking how you’re doing, to concerns about
health (you can’t take the LPN out of the girl!), to a welcoming smile to visitors to her home
even in her sickness. Joanne will be greatly missed, but will be remembered with much love,
laughter, and gratitude.
What’s your fondest memory of Joanne?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joanne?
Share a story where Joanne's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joanne you’ll never forget.
How did Joanne make you smile?