Virginia Fortunato 1945-2023

Virginia was born April 20, 1945, in Youngstown, the daughter of James P. and Veronica M. Barbato DeSimone. She graduated from Liberty High School, Lewis, Wineberger and Hill Beauty Academy and Youngstown State University, where she excelled in academics.

Virginia was a hairdresser for more than 60 years and spent the last 43 years at A Shear Success. She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica.

Virginia was an avid reader and shared this love and so many books with her sister in Florida. In her spare time, she enjoyed getting together with her many friends, listening to music, especially Elvis, and loving on her nieces and nephews, both in Ohio and Florida, but her favorite time was spent with her daughter –also her best friend.

Virginia will be greatly missed by her daughter, Mary Jo Fortunato, with whom she made her home; sister, Diane Pennington; brother, Ralph (Mary) DeSimone; and her cat, Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother-in-law, Richard Pennington.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 9 to 9:50 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in Youngstown, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of the Repose of the Soul, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests monetary donations be made in Virginia’s name to your favorite local charity.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

(special notice)