Joann Benvenuti

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You asked about her feline friends, who purred their way into her heart and soul.

Joann Benvenuti, 59, of Plantation, Florida, passed away on September 6, 2026, with her life partner, Richard, by her side.

Joann grew up in Alliance, Ohio, where she and her brother, Nino, learned the value of hard work behind the counter of their parents’ grocery store. That early lesson stayed with her throughout a long career in office supply management.

But if you really wanted to know Joann, you didn’t ask about work. You asked about her feline friends, who purred their way into her heart and soul, or you caught her outside in the early morning or evening hours, watching the sky change colors with the sunrise or sunset. She never grew tired of a beautiful, multicolored sky.

Birdwatching was another of Joann’s favorite pastimes. She always had a bird feeder within range of a camera or cellphone, ready to capture the visitors who stopped by. Her love for the natural beauty around her was strong. There was something about the way Joann noticed beauty in ordinary moments that made the people around her slow down and notice it, too.

Joann also loved to bake. Cookies, cakes, and bread were made from scratch and generously shared with family and friends, especially during the holidays.

She loved fiercely and simply — her family, her cats, and her partner, Richard, who was by her side through it all. And she treasured those quiet golden hours of the day that she rarely allowed to pass without stepping outside to take them in.

Joann is survived by her partner, Richard Ronewicz, who loved her dearly; her brother, Nino Benvenuti; and her nephew, Enzo Benvenuti. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anita Benvenuti, whose memory she carried with her always.

A gathering to celebrate Joann’s life will be held on September 19, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at T. M. Ralph Funeral Home in Plantation, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to your local Humane Society or animal rescue organization in honor of a woman who never met a pet she didn’t love.