JoAnn DelFraino

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JoAnn DelFraino, 80, formerly of Austintown, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

JoAnn was born July 1, 1946, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Stephen Sova Sr. and Stella Oleksiuk Sova, and spent nearly her entire life in the Mahoning Valley.

A 1964 graduate of The Rayen School, JoAnn began working for Burdman Brothers Companies shortly after graduation as a record keeper. She remained with the company for nearly 50 years, continuing with the Burdman family as the business transitioned from father to son. JoAnn enjoyed keeping busy through her work and especially valued the relationships she formed with the family she worked for throughout the years.

JoAnn was a longtime member of St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church in Austintown.

Following a stroke in 2022, JoAnn relocated to Seattle to be closer to her son, Steven. Although she was apprehensive about leaving behind her longtime neighbors, friends and family in the Youngstown area, she knew the move was the right decision. Once in Seattle, JoAnn was warmly welcomed into a new community, where she formed new friendships and enjoyed new experiences and a different culture. She especially treasured the time she spent with Steven, who visited her every Sunday, and looked forward to trips to Las Vegas to visit her son, Michael, and his family.

JoAnn leaves to forever cherish her memory her two sons, Steven (Nazim Nice) DelFraino of Seattle and Michael (Shelly) DelFraino of Las Vegas; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Her husband, Henry A. DelFraino Jr., whom she married Aug. 26, 1967, passed away Jan. 25, 2005.

In addition to her parents and husband, JoAnn was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Sova Jr.; and her sister, Mary Ann Barnett.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Rd., Austintown. All are welcome to attend.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown, where JoAnn will be laid to rest beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, JoAnn’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church.