Ann Lofaro 1921-2025

She was born by midwife on Sept. 4, 1921, on the East side of Youngstown as Antonetta Marie Trombetta, to Michael and Lucille Amicone Trombetta. She soon became a big sister to Connie and Angie, whom she cherished. The three of them were definitely Daddy’s girls. They loved going to Mount Jewett, Pa., to spend the summer with their grandparents and thought it was fun using the outhouses.

She took great pride in her East Side roots and graduating as a Golden Bear. In high school, she walked the halls as a candy striper at St. Elizabeth’s, where the nuns left such a lasting impression that she dreamed of becoming a nurse — though life would soon lead her in a different direction.

Her father taught her to drive on a Model T-Ford, and she often complained about how her arm would hurt from crank-starting it. She went on to work alongside her dad at Carnegie Steel, becoming one of the original Rosie the Riveters, welding airplane parts for the war planes. It was through saving those hard-earned paychecks that she developed a strong work ethic and independence (legally changing her name to Ann Marie), and it was there, too, that her love of shopping began — fueling a lifelong love of fashion and a delightful talent for being a shopaholic.

She had a great love of music and dance. She met her husband Santie Lofaro at Idora Park ballroom, and they married shortly after in 1944. Together they had seven children, which turned into 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren and a great-great-great grandchild on the way.

After her divorce, she returned to the workforce to provide for her seven children. She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Elizabeth hospital then onto Little Forest Medical Center, from which she retired. She often worked in her retirement doing private care.

As the matriarch of her family, her life revolved around family, with God always first. She enjoyed cooking and feeding people, and there was often a stray at the table, with her saying, “If I could feed seven, I could feed eight.” Her house always smelled like an Italian restaurant. Sunday mornings after church were filled with the sound of Italian music playing, especially polkas, and the smell of her amazing, one-of-a-kind sauce. She would dance between stirring the sauce, filling her home with warmth, laughter and love.

Her kids always thought she had an internal crystal ball as she was always able to predict what they were going to do before they did it. She loved being in the know and was a fan of all the popular talk shows and news, keeping up with the drama of the day. She had an incredible sense of humor, full of playful sarcasm in the best way possible. She could take any dead plant and bring it back to life.

Her time at Victory Christian Church was cherished, where she actively participated in Senior Saints Bible Study, and was a devoted “holy folder.”

She seldom missed her weekly hair appointment with John at the Hair Together beauty shop. She looked forward to seeing her friends there as well as feeling the love from all who work there.

She treasured special moments with each of her children, from visits to the Trumbull County and Canfield fairs, to weekly shopping trips to the mall, Bob Evans (“Bob’s”), Rulli Bros., and her annual Valentine’s Day celebration with just her girls. For at least 30 years, she and her daughters took turns hosting this beloved Valentine’s Day tradition. Simply put, she was the absolute best — the best mom, gram, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. She gave herself to all above and beyond. At times, that meant being stubborn, strong-willed, dramatic, or emotional, but at all times, she loved ferociously — God first, then family. La famiglia e tutto.

When people asked her the secret to her longevity, she would smile and say, “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.”

Jesus wins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Sabatino and Concetta Orlando Amicone; parents, Michael and Lucille Trombetta; sisters, Connie (Morris) Warino, Angie (Tony) Ross; sons, Michael and Sam (Valerie) Lofaro; triplet grandsons, Scott, Sam and Stephen Lofaro, grandsons, Johnny and Ethan Zalovcik; sons-in-law, Leo Nail and John Zalovcik Sr.; granddaughter, Joelynn Lofaro-Dillo; and great-great grandson, Keliub Paul.

She will be deeply missed and loved by her children, Sandra Nail, Joe Lofaro, Ron (Karen) Lofaro, Debbie Zuzga, Kathy Zalovcik and her growing family legacy.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Ann from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman. Additional calling hours will be from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at the funeral home, with an 11 a.m. service to follow.

Burial will take place in Lake Park Cemetery.

Condolences can be made to the family at https://www.rossisantuccifh.com/.

(special notice)