Genni Asteri 1925-2025

She was born Feb. 2, 1925, in Caulonia, via Campoli, Reggio Calabria, Italy, daughter of the late Larry (Gilda) Carr and Maria Stella Tassone. She married Joe, the love of her life, on Sept. 26, 1946, and came to the United States in 1947 with her brother, Dominic, followed by her husband in 1949.

Genni lived a life filled with love and devotion to her family and her Catholic faith, joy in simple pleasures, and warmth and love that extended to all who knew her. She celebrated her 100th birthday on her second birthdate, April 19, 2025, at a party held for her, surrounded by family and friends.

Genni worked at Penn Ohio Towel Supply for many years as a seamstress. But her greatest joy was being a homemaker. She was known for her culinary talents, especially her delicious pizzelles she shared with everyone. She delighted in crocheting beautiful afghan blankets, sewing, baking, especially at holidays, canning vegetables from their own garden and ensuring that no one ever left her home with an empty stomach. In her younger years, she enjoyed shopping and having lunch with her many friends. Her infectious spirit brought laughter and love into her family gatherings, and she loved to tell stories about her life growing up in Italy and with her husband.

Genni was a devoted wife to her late husband, and together they built a foundation of love and support for their family. Her children, her son-in-law, her grandson and his wife, and her great-granddaughter meant the world to her and she treasured the time she spent with them.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Theresa (Paul) Martin of Niles; her son, Joseph A. (Kathleen) Asteri Jr. of Austintown; her grandson, Scott (Christy) Martin; great-granddaughter, Meredith Martin; sister, Theresa Trell of Arizona; a brother, Louie (Janice) Carr of Austintown; and many nieces and nephews in the United States and Italy.

Genni was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Anthony Asteri Sr., who passed away Nov. 12, 2017; her parents and stepmother; a sister, Rose Chiera; and three brothers, Dominic Chiera, Guiseppe Chiera and Vince Carr.

Calling hours will take place 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church, where we will gather to honor her legacy. Prayers will be held prior to Mass at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home.

(special notice)