Joanne Miele de Lia

85. Born August 13, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jo grew up in Swissvale, where she

attended Swissvale High School. It was there, in 9th grade, that she met Tony. By their junior

year, they had begun dating, beginning a lifelong love story. After Tony returned from his

service in the U.S. Army, the two were married in 1962 at the age of 23, starting a beautiful

journey together.

Tony and Jo relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1962 with her parents Frank and Angie

Miele. They lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Orlando until the birth of their son “little

Tony” in 1969. Soon after Jo and Tony and her parents bought neighboring homes on what was

then the outskirts of the Orlando metro area and is now known as Millenia. Jo and Tony would

remain there, where Jo passed peacefully with big and little Tony at her side.

Jo was a proud Pittsburgh Pirates fan and spent many years playing softball on a local women’s

team in Orlando. She was a devoted “school mom,” generously volunteering her time at St. John

Vianney Catholic School, where her son, Tony, attended from kindergarten through 8th grade.

Jo’s warmth and nurturing spirit made her a beloved figure among the staff and students, and

especially to her son’s friends. She was a second mom to many throughout Tony’s years at St.

John’s and later at Oak Ridge High School. Her care didn’t stop at graduation. Jo remained close

with many of Tony’s friends well into their adulthood, always cheering them on as they pursued

their own paths, just as she did with her son through his journey in Physics and education.

Jo is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Angelina Miele.

Jo is survived by her cherished spouse Anthony E. De Lia and only son Anthony Francis De Lia

and family and cousins, nieces, nephews & friends in Pittsburg, PA.

Jo is known for her fun, sassy, Italian personality, loving, open heart and cluttered kitchen where

she could whip up an array of amazing dishes in the time it took you to tell her all your

problems… some will always remember her food, her listening ear and her supportive wisdom

which was the best kitchen therapy. She loved her animals, especially her dogs, as well as her

birds and cats. She had several classic cars that she took much joy in owning and driving. She

was also a fan of classic movies and would love to recount stories about her correspondence with

Sofia Loren the iconic Italian beauty & actress. Mostly …Jo loved us…. her family and friends.

Her devoted husband, Tony, extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate team at Vitas for the

care and support they provided. He is deeply grateful for the prayers, well wishes, and love from

friends and family during this time.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Baldwin Fairchild All Faiths Funeral

Home at 4901 S. Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32806 on Monday April 14, 2025, from 6pm-8pm.

The interment service for Jo will take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at

Greenwood Cemetery, located at 1603 Greenwood Street, Orlando, FL 32801.

If friends and family choose, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Jo’s honor to the Legends Of The

Paws Animal Rescue would be a beautiful way to extend her love and legacy. Such a gesture

would bring great joy to both Tony and “little” Tony and support a cause close to their hearts.

Website: Legends Of The Paws Animal Rescue https://legendsofthepaws.com/

**Please avoid using Facebook platform as this account for donations has been compromised.