Jo Ann Zautzik

Jo Ann Chismire Zautzik   “former Coudersport and Port Allegany area resident”

ROME, Italy---Jo Ann Chismire Zautzik, 72, of Rome, Italy, formerly of Coudersport, Pa. and Port Allegany, Pa., passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019, in Capena, Italy, after a long illness.

Born on January 9, 1947 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Carl Clifford and Lillie Pearl Sparks Chismire.  On June 6, 1979 in Rome, she married Emerico A. Zautzik, who survives.  On December 1, 1985, her son Giuliano Zautzik, was born.

Jo Ann spent her early childhood in Coudersport. Her family then moved to Port Allegany, where she graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1964.  She also graduated from the former Olean Business Institute in 1965.  Jo Ann then moved to California for a year, returning to live in Rochester, N.Y., where she held various secretarial positions.  During this time she resumed her studies and in 1972 obtained an Associate’s Degree from Monroe Community College. 

She was hired by the University of Rochester, where she worked in the International Student Office and continued to study toward a Bachelor’s Degree.  In her position, Jo Ann met her future husband, a U of R student from Italy.  They became engaged in 1977.  In 1979 she obtained her degree, got married and settled with her husband in Rome, Italy.  She taught English in the Italian public school system and in other institutions, including the Italian Army School of Languages.  After obtaining a Master’s Degree from Framingham State College in 1998, she taught in Tor Vergata University of Rome.  She retired in 2012 and was able to devote herself to her favorite hobby, quilting.

Through the years, Jo Ann regularly came back to the hills of Pennsylvania to visit family and friends. She attended her 50th class reunion in Port Allegany in 2014.

As her health deteriorated, in 2016 Jo Ann retired to a nursing home in Capena, Italy, where she was regularly visited by family and friends until she passed away.

Surviving in addition to her husband are her son, Giuliano, of Milan, Italy; two sisters, Cindy Chismire-Kurjakovic of Olean, N.Y. and Susan (Max III) Greeley of Roulette; and several nieces and nephews.

Jo Ann was predeceased by her parents.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside burial service at 1 pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, in St. Eulalia Catholic Cemetery, Coudersport.  The Rev. James Campbell, pastor of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, Coudersport, will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to charity of the donor’s choice.

Jo Ann’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Jo Ann, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or their Facebook page, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home.