Obituary of Jo Ann Roberts

• Jo Ann Roberts, 67, died peacefully with her family by her side Feb. 8, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer.

•  

   

  A memorial mass and service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community in Indialantic.

•  

   

  Born May 4, 1953, in Jessup, Penn., Jo Ann grew up in Bridgeport, Conn., and raised her family in Newtown and Southbury, Conn., before moving to Melbourne, Florida, in 1993.

•  

   

  She was the daughter of the late Joseph C. “Blackie” Solusky, a coal-miner and electrician, and the late Pauline Sewack Solusky, who worked for Sikorsky Aircraft.

•  

   

  Jo Ann attended Notre Dame High School and studied at Butler Business School, both in Connecticut.

•  

   

  She and her ex-husband, Jerry Roberts, a retired Connecticut state police trooper, co-owned more than two-dozen businesses throughout their marriage and raised two children, Ryan and Tammy.

•  

   

  In addition to doing all of the bookkeeping for their businesses, Jo Ann spent 20 years working for Creative Catering by the Farinas, where she loved tending bar for private events and witnessing the celebrations and milestones of so many.

•  

   

  It wasn’t until later in life that she met her devoted fiancé, Donald, and loved being part of his large and welcoming family. For the past 13 years, the couple enjoyed dancing, motorcycle rides, traveling and caring for each other through the ups and downs of cancer. All eyes were on them from the moment they stepped on a dance floor. Since the day they met, Don lovingly referred to Jo Ann as his “angel on earth.”

•  

   

  Always the perfect hostess, Jo Ann loved cooking, reading, her annual trips to Las Vegas and Biloxi, and playing Bingo alongside her best friend, Debbie Green.

•  

   

  But her absolute pride and joy were her two grandsons, Brady and Cody, with whom she shared a bond that will never be forgotten.

•  

   

  Nurturing, selfless and patient with a heart of gold, Jo Ann had a smile that could light up any room and enjoyed being the “neighborhood mom” while her kids were growing up. She always made everyone feel welcome in her home.

•  

   

  In her final days, Jo Ann was able to share her favorite memories and heartfelt goodbyes with her children and close family. She was entirely at peace knowing it was her time to leave this earth. She said she had no regrets.

•  

   

  Jo Ann is survived by her sister, Myra Palmiero, and husband, Richard, of Shelton, Conn.

•  

   

  She is also survived by her son Ryan Roberts, and wife, Kristen, of Satellite Beach, Florida; daughter Tammy Farmer, and husband, Josh, of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida; and grandsons, Brady and Cody; as well as her fiancé, Donald Loncosky, of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.

•  

   

  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

•  

   

  Donations in Jo Ann’s name may be sent to Promise in Brevard, 4105 Norfolk Pkwy, West Melbourne, Florida, 32904.

   

   

•  
•  
•  
•  
•