Joanne S. Branco

Joanne S. Branco (Yurista) formerly of Port Clinton, Ohio went to be with her Savior and Lord on January 12, 2025. She was born June 7, 1944, to John and Anne Yurista of Port Clinton, Ohio. Joanne was a proud graduate of THE Port Clinton High School and a loyal member of Immaculate Conception Church and Our Lady Help of Christians.

She married Yeoman 2nd Class Richard W. Riley in 1965 who tragically died in Vietnam. She later married her husband of 51 years George John Branco Jr., who survives.

Besides her Husband, Joanne is survived by her loving son Richard (wife Lorene) and adoring granddaughters Alexandra and Olivia. Other survivors are her brother Richard (Bobette); sisters Alice Ann (Thomas) Turley and Janice (Ken) Carson and several nieces and nephews.

The family extends their external gratitude to all of those who helped provide care and comfort to Joanne over the years, especially these last few – Her loving husband George, Paula, Rita, Vince, Brenda and Maria, Lexi and countless numbers of loving friends and neighbors, as well as the absolute angels that cared for her at Southwest General Hospice in Strongsville.

Joanne bravely endured Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years. Giving up was never an option. She never complained and lived her life to the fullest, with great dignity, pride, and purpose. She never let MS stop her from what she wanted to do. Her will, determination and fight will always be admired by all who knew her. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Joanne was a diligent worker. Her work ethic was forged and instilled on the family farm in Bay Township. Joanne learned how to drive a tractor before a car. When Joanne came home from work, she continued to work – whether it be outside tasks or cleaning indoors, tending to her family or vacuuming. Joanne loved to vacuum, morning, noon, and night. Her house was always so clean you could eat off the floor. Over the years, Joanne worked for the US Department of Defense, Port Clinton Savings & Loan and the Ottawa and Shelby County Health Departments.

Joanne loved the outdoors, especially planting flowers around the homes she lived in, and tending to the family’s garden. She loved online shopping -especially at Chico’s (where she returned more mail order items than anyone in the store’s history) and would be in the Costco Shopper Hall of Fame if they had one. JOANNE LOVED COSTCO! She loved watching sports – golf, pro wrestling, NASCAR, THE Ohio State Buckeyes Football, and the Browns (well, maybe not so much the Browns). She loved cheering on her son and his teammates in baseball and football over the years and was always present for support and encouragement. She also received an ‘honorary’ law degree from her hours of watching Judge Judy and Court TV.

Joanne and George also had a beloved dog, Chelsea. They told their son he could not leave her with them, but he did. It only took them a few days to absolutely fall in love with her. Chelsea brought immense joy to their lives and they to hers.

More than anything, Joanne loved her family and friends. Joanne was a consummate conversationalist and simply loved being around friends and just talking. She had a very calming, reassuring and healing affect upon people. Joanne lived her life for her family, always putting everyone else before herself. Her beautiful, effervescent smile was always present as she was loving, tender, compassionate and simple. She had a vivacious personality and loved her many outfits and accessories as she always dressed with a beautiful elegance.

For those who knew and loved her, there will be no goodbyes. She will live in our hearts forever.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joanne at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 414 MADISON STREET, PORT CLINTON, OHIO 43452 on SATURDAY, JANUARY 25th. Visitation commences at 10:00am and mass at 11:00AM. A luncheon will be held in the school gymnasium immediately following mass. Arrangements have been made through the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington St., Port Clinton, Ohio.

If you wish, donations can be made in Joanne’s name to Immaculate Conception School and mailed to 109 W. Fourth Street, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.