Jean Anne Pelusi 1928-2024

She was born April 19, 1928, in Streetsboro / Ravenna, the youngest of two children (the late Jack Kohl, her brother), who were both raised by two incredibly loving parents (the late Art and Ethel Kohl). She had been a resident at Sherwood Oaks Nursing Home for more than 10 years.

She attended Ravenna High School, went on to nursing school, and later became a full-time nurse and then a part-time nurse at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. It was during nursing school and her early years working at St. Elizabeth that she met her life partner and husband, the late John H. Pelusi Sr. (June 8, 2014). He was often heard to say, “the best decision of my life was when I asked her to marry me,” as evidenced by the 60-plus years of marriage they celebrated together (married Feb. 20, 1954).

Together Jean Anne and John raised four surviving sons, John, Jim, Jeff and Jay, who blessed them with four great surviving daughters-in-law, Cathy (Thomaselli), Faith (Rothwell), Holly (Visnic) and MJ (Meyer); 12 grandchildren from each of John and Cathy Pelusi (Jamie, John, Jacquie and Jodie); Jim and Faith Pelusi (the late James Andrew “Drew,” Anna and Jake); Jeff and Holly Pelusi (Jeffery “Chase,” Jordan and Josh), and Jay and MJ Pelusi (Julianne and Jono); and three great-grandchildren, John a/k/a “Parm,” Geno and Gianna Pelusi (children of John’s and Cathy’s son, John and his wife, Lia Pelusi). She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Judy Kohl (and much loved 11 nieces, nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews).

She was a deeply devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, friend, and most importantly, a great role model for her family and friends. She always put others before herself, treating people with kindness and generosity, and being genuinely happy for the success of those in her life, while always being there for family and friends during challenging times. Her deep faith in God was an inspiration to all and the key pillar in her life. The words from the gospel on the day she passed captured her life: “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God” — John 3:21.

Most recently, she had been a resident at Sherwood Oaks Nursing Home in Cranberry Township, Pa., for the past 10 years following the death of her husband, where the above traits were on full display for all residents and the wonderful nurses, aides and staff to see. Our family is eternally grateful for the care and love they showed her in treating her with dignity, respect and love.

There will be a private family viewing prior to a Catholic Burial Mass at St. Christine Catholic Church in Youngstown, followed by private burial in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Sherwood Oaks Employee Scholarship Fund, Attn: Executive Director, C/O Sherwood Oaks, 100 Norman Drive, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, in memory of Jean Anne Pelusi

Arrangements handled by Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home (330-792-2357), 3100 Canfield Road, Youngstown, OH 44511. Memorial tributes can be made at www.vaschak-kirilafh.com/.

(special notice)