Giovanna V. Paliotta

Giovanna V. Paliotta, of Johnston, a beloved matriarch and a steadfast pillar of her family, departed this life peacefully on June 30, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 95, surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 4, 1930, in Esperia, Frosinone, Italy, to Antonio and Maria ( Perrotta) Varone, Giovanna's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of resilience, hard work, and an unfathomable love for her family.

Giovanna’s journey was one marked by determination and the pursuit of her American dream. Educated during the tumultuous WWII era in Italy, she carried forward the lessons of strength and kindness, embracing every opportunity to carve out a life that exemplified her values. Her career spanned many years in the jewelry industry, a field in which she truly flourished, but her industrious spirit often led her to simultaneously juggle multiple jobs.

A devoted Catholic, rooted deep in her faith, Giovanna personified kindness and humility. She was an unwaveringly proud mother and grandmother, finding immense joy in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her life. There was a warmth to her nurturing nature, always ensuring that no guest left her home without being well-fed; her famous wine biscuits being a cherished favorite.

Giovanna’s hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit. She took great pleasure in gardening, shopping, and cooking, often crafting beautiful knitted works—sweaters, blankets, and scarves that will forever keep her family warm, both in a literal and an emotional sense. A simple item from the latest Avon catalog or the bounty of her garden could delight her heart and exemplified her love for life's small joys.

Family was central to Giovanna’s existence. She was the proud mother of sons Giuseppe Paliotta (Vincenzina), Alessandro Paliotta (Maria), Bruno Paliotta (Angela), and Carmino Paliotta. Her legacy continues with her beloved grandchildren—Giovannina (Ralph), Antonio, Sandra (Angelo), Marisa (Nicholas), Paul, Giuseppe, John (Gina), Carmino, Jr. "CJ" (Gianna), Tyler (Sara), Tara, Kylie, Juliana (Glenn), Gabriella, Enzo, Isabella, Ava, Angelo, Giovanni, Audrianna, and Mariana. The family eagerly anticipates the arrival of her first great-great-grandchild, expected in August of 2025, a testament to the flourishing lineage she nurtured with love.

Giovanna now rejoins her beloved husband Antonio, with whom she shared over fifty years of marriage until his passing in 2000. She also is reunited with her deceased family members, including her daughter-in-law Anna, wife of Bruno, and her siblings—Alberto Varone, Giuseppina Terilli, Benedetta Aceto, and Pasqualino Varone.

Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the lessons she imparted and the love she bestowed will resonantly echo through the hearts of those she cherished. Her funeral will leave at 10:15 am, Monday July 7, 2025 from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. Followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Rocco's Church, 927 Atwood Ave, Johnston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday July 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In her passing, we celebrate a life beautifully lived, filled with warmth, love, and unwavering dedication to her family's future. Giovanna V. Paliotta leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever be etched in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.