Joann C. Mongillo

We are saddened to announce Joann (Cello) Mongillo, 80, of the Plantsville section of Southington, CT passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a brief illness on December 26, 2020. Joann was the loving and devoted wife of George T. Mongillo, her best friend and companion, for 59 years.

Born in Meriden, CT on September 20, 1940, Joann was an amazing woman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who touched the lives of everyone she met. Family and her closest friends, all of whom were most important to her, will always remember her generous, kind and loving heart. She lived life to the fullest, enjoying trips with her husband, Sunday drives and car shows, and sharing many fond and lasting memories with her children and grandchildren. Her greatest joys in life were taking care of and being with her children, grandchildren, and family. Not only did her grandchildren know Joann as Grandma - so many of their friends also knew her as “Grandma”, a testament to how much and easily she gave from her heart.

Joann is survived by her husband George T. Mongillo, son Steven and his wife Frances of Plantsville; son Paul and his wife Elizabeth of Berlin; five grandchildren who she loved so dearly, Kristen, Rachel, Sarah, Jacob, and Zachary; sister Carolyn Cello; and many nieces and nephews who added so much joy and light to her life. She was everyone’s rock and pillar of support.

Preceding her in death were her beloved parents, Flora (Vitale) and Louis Cello, her treasured sister Lois Grimaldi, and her brother-in-law, Donald Grimaldi.

COVID-19 may have taken the sparkle from her eyes and the smile from her face but her beautiful spirit will continue to live on. The family would like to thank the many compassionate caregivers at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain campus for their amazing care. They are also very blessed and grateful for the loving support they received from family and friends living near and far during her illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial for close family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St, Southington. Due to the health concerns and regulations surrounding COVID-19, seating capacity is limited to 100 people and masks are required at all times. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.