Hornell, NY

Joanne Marie Porcaro – 88 – of 119 East Elm St., Hornell, died early Saturday morning (May 27, 2023) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.

A native & life resident of Hornell, she was born September 11, 1934 and was the daughter of Frank & Edna (Norton) Secondo.

Joanne attended Bryant School, Hornell Junior High School and was a graduate of Hornell High School (Class of 1952).

For a time, Joanne was employed as a sales clerk at the former Cards Drug Store in Hornell. She also served as a cook at the Hornell Knights of Columbus, working countless private parties. For many years she was employed as a cook in the cafeteria of the Hornell High School, whipping up delicious meals for hundreds of hungry students and teachers every day.

Joanne was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church where she donated countless hours as a member of the St. Ann’s Church cleaning Crew. She had also been a member of the Ladies of Columbus and a lifetime member of the G. Carducci Lodge (Sons of Italy). Having a great “culinary gift,” Joanne loved cooking & baking especially for family gatherings and holidays. No one ever left her home hungry!

She was married on May 26, 1956 to Leo J. Porcaro for 63 years, who died March 4, 2020. Joanne was also preceded in death by 4 sisters, Mary Ann Losecco, Dorothy Ermy, Janice Davis & Patty Lenhart; her brother, Karl Secondo; and her son-in-law, George “Joe” Richardson.

Surviving are 2 daughters, Rene Richardson of St. Petersburg, FL and Mary Magari of Syracuse; 2 sons, Richard “Rick” Porcaro of Hornell and Nicholas (Kathleen) Porcaro of Arkport; 1 brother, Frank Secondo of Mesa, AZ; her grandchildren, Joey Porcaro, Amy (Matt) Baldassare, Elizabeth “Liz” (Chris) Gandolfo, Kathryn Porcaro, Julie (Philip) Rubin, Jill (Craig) Reeves, Phillip Magari, Kaleigh (Chris Lafler) Porcaro, Christopher (Kirsten) Porcaro and Nicole (Dustin) Romanos; her great-grandchildren, Vinny Baldassare, Christian Baldassare, Gabriel Baldassare, Emma Baldassare, Spencer Porcaro, Quinn Porcaro, Ford Gandolfo, Leo Romanos and Rylee Porcaro; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Joanne Marie Porcaro will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery next to her husband, Leo.

Joanne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, 41 Genesee St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.