Jo Anna Cherrito, 79, of Kansas City, MO, left this world surrounded by family and loved ones on Friday, July 26, 2024, at NorthCare Hospice House of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 31, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Family and friends are invited to gather for the Visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.

Jo Anna was born on May 13, 1945, to Joseph Charles Macaluso and Beulah Marguerite (Garrett) Hawkins, and was later lovingly supported by her stepmother, Mary "Bonnie" Macaluso. She grew up in Kansas City. A proud graduate of St. Pius X High School in 1963, Jo Anna pursued a career in beauty, eventually owning and operating her own beauty shop for 40 years. Jo Anna found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. Her friends, many of whom she had known since elementary and high school, were considered family to her. At the age of 46, Jo Anna showed extraordinary strength and resilience following triple bypass surgery, facing the challenges that came with it for the next 33 years with the courage of a warrior. She was known for her intelligence, strong will, and clarity of purpose, always knowing precisely what she wanted and how to achieve it until the morning of her passing. Jo Anna will be lovingly reunited in Heaven with her husband, Frank Cherrito.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Charles Macaluso, Beulah Marguerite (Garrett) Hawkins, and Mary 'Bonnie' Macaluso; her brother, Frankie Lee Macaluso; her sister, Catherine Edna Rone; and her husband, Frank Cherrito.

Jo Anna is survived by her daughters, Celia Marie Calandrino-Helton (James), Toni Ann Cherrito (Frank), and son Carl Joseph Molle (Beth), grandchildren, Mikala Lodder (Jeremy), Dominique Buckley (Max), Salvatore Calandrino II (Kaylee), Cooper James Helton, Mia Cherrito, Ava Cherrito, Frankie John Cherrito, Carl Molle Jr., Sam Molle, great-grandchildren, Austin, Emma, Colton, Celia, Max, Ashton, and Domnick.

Her surviving siblings include, John (Bette), Benny (Jane), Phil (Kristie), and sisters, Rose Mary and Theresa, sister-in-law, Darlene Biondo (Joe), first cousins, Cindy Frankenfield and Frankie Macaluso. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and her Boston Terrier, Sofee Rose, who is in the care of her niece, Sydney Macaluso.

Throughout her lifetime, she gathered a treasure trove of friends who she considered family. Of course, she left a note with a list of their names of who she wanted to thank: "Lynn Farmer, Linda Mitchell, Mary Lynne Curtin, Dianne Cardello, Noella Devolder Cole, Virgie Rau, Antoinette Christofano, Lou Orlando, Sara Imperiale, Sharon Garcia, Rosetta Gallo, Lisa Sciara, Dorothy Sciortino and Concetta Crain. Most importantly, I want to thank Joe Costanza for his irreplaceable loyalty and affection. Your unwavering support has meant the world to me."

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at St. Luke's Hospital, the Ignite Medical Resort team, and NorthCare Hospice House for making her last month a beautiful transition. They also express gratitude to Fr. Mike Roach and Fr. Eric Schneider, and to Mary Lynn Curtin for her hair and makeup services and Rosemary Carullo for her mani-pedi, which provided Jo Anna with one last touch of pampering.

Pallbearers will be Salvatore Calandrino II, Frankie John Cherrito, Joey Macaluso, Carl Molle Jr., Sam Molle, and Max Buckley.

Honorary Pallbearers include Cooper James Helton, Jeremy Lodder, Tim Harris, Nick Frankenfield, and Sal Abbott.