YOUNGSTOWN - JoAnn L. Precurato, 80, of the city's west side, passed away Tuesday morning, September 26, 2023, following a brief illness.

JoAnn was born August 18, 1943, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late John Banko and Virginia Fletcher Howells and was raised by her mother and her step-father, Donald Howells.

JoAnn was a 1961 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School. JoAnn was also a graduate of Victor George Beauty Academy and worked as a hairdresser for many years.

She was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Patrick Church in Youngstown.

Jo enjoyed playing cards with her card club and also enjoyed taking trips to Cook Forest with her card club ladies. She was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Cleveland Browns and had a special fondness for cats. JoAnn also enjoyed taking trips to the beach with her cousin, Janie, but most of all Jo enjoyed spending time with her family, especially around the holidays.

JoAnn leaves to cherish her memory, her two sons, Jimmy Precurato, with whom she made her home and Jeffrey (Melissa) Precurato of Newton Falls; three grandchildren, Sydney, Gavin and Ethan; a brother, David (Annette) Howells of Boardman; two nephews, Matthew (Megan) Howells of California and Kevin Howells also of California; a sister-in-law, Anna Howells of Boardman; a niece, Danielle (Dan) Procopio of Canfield; her cousin, Janie (Joe) Surman of Austintown, with whom she was very close; her lifelong, family friend, Robin Reeler, who affectionately called her "Mama Jo" and helped care for JoAnn, driving her around town and taking her shopping; her former husband, James Precurato of Austintown; her beloved cat, Mystic and many extended family members and many friends.

JoAnn will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents, a brother, Dennis Howells, her nephew and godson, Denny Howells, a stepbrother, Donny Howells and a stepsister, Peggy Bellish Grachanin preceded Jo in death.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a memorial service will take place at 7 p.m.