Joann Crisci Neff

Joann Crisci Neff, age 73, resident of Moon Township, PA and Estero FL, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, after a long hospitalization and surrounded and comforted by family and friends, into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Born in Boardman, Ohio on April 11, 1953, daughter of the late Joseph Crisci and the late Margaret (Toth) Gill and stepdaughter of the late Ray Gill.  Beloved and treasured wife of 50 years to Richard L. Neff, to whom she was everything. Together they were blessed with three wonderful sons who survive her: Richard C. , Anthony J. (Catherine), and Andrew D. (Krysten). Also survived by five cherished grandchildren who brought her immense joy: Ava, Logan, Cate, Holden and Emmett; her former daughter-in-law, Jessica Neff; four younger sisters whom she adored and helped mother: Mary Kay Gill, Jill Gill (Joseph Keith), Susan Dvorsak and Terry Dodds (Robert); two beloved brothers, Joseph Crisci (Joann) and Ray Gill (Ashley). Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and cousins from Ohio and Italy all of whom she loved dearly.

Joann met her husband, Rich, while she was a student nurse at South Side Hospital in Pittsburgh. Rich was being treated there following an accident, and it was during that time that they met and began a love story that would span five decades.

Joann worked as an operating room nurse at Magee Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Glens Falls Hospital in New York and Rochester Hospital in Beaver County before beginning what she considered her most important role as mother and grandmother (affectionately known as “Ama” to her grandchildren).

Family was everything to Joann. She rarely missed a school event, sporting competition, performance, celebration, or milestone involving her children or grandchildren. Her greatest happiness came from being present for the people she loved.

Joann was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Caribbean. She especially treasured family adventures, including rafting through the Grand Canyon, skiing in Colorado, hiking in national parks, and visiting destinations such as Grand Cayman, The Bahamas, Ireland, and Florida. One of the highlights of her life was traveling to Rescigno, Italy, the small village where her father was born. There she visited the home where he had lived and met relatives, she had never known before, creating a connection to her family's heritage that she deeply treasured.

She was a terrific downhill skier spending many winters at 7 Springs where she and Rich owned a condominium. She was not quite as good a golfer but enjoyed just being outside. She loved scuba diving and snorkeling throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. She was first mate to her husband Rich co-captaining barefoot charter yachts in The Virgin Islands and The Bahamas.

Faith was the foundation of Joann's life. She read her bible daily and prayed constantly for the relief of pain and suffering of others.  She never failed to thank God for her many blessings, especially her family, and yearned to be reunited in heaven with her parents, grandparents, cousins, and other loved ones whom she missed every day."

The family is forever grateful to the doctors, nurses and staff at UPMC West Hematology Center and UPMC Passavant Hospital, Five North Pavillion Wing, for the gracious, loving and wonderful care they gave her over the past several years and especially her last seven weeks. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort to Joann and her family.

While we are comforted knowing she is reunited with loved ones in heaven, she will be deeply missed by her husband, family, and many friends.  Her legacy of faith, love, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Friends and family will be received on August 11, 2026, from 5 pm – 8 pm at Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Broadhead Rd., Moon Township, PA 15108.

Funeral service will be held on August 12, 2026, at 10 am at St. Philip’s Church, 1629 Beaver Grade Rd., Moon Township, PA  15108, with luncheon to follow at Montour Heights Country Club, 1491 Coraopolis Heights Rd., Moon Township, PA  15108.

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