Obituary of JoAnn Arlene Desimone

JoAnn Arlene Desimone, 90, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, with her loved ones at her side.

JoAnn was born September 15, 1934, the daughter of the late G. Harry and Hazel Wadsworth. She grew up in Clark Mills, NY, and graduated from Clinton Central High School, where she played sports and the violin. JoAnn later attended Alfred State College, majoring in medical secretarial science, and received her AS degree in 1954. At Alfred, she was involved in the Pi Nu Epsilon Sorority, the yearbook, chorus and the technology club. In high school, JoAnn found the love of her life, Malcolm Desimone, and after several years of dating, she and Malcolm were married on November 17, 1956, in Clark Mills. They would go on to spend more than 60 years together. During their first years of marriage and Malcolm’s service in the U.S. Army, JoAnn served as the secretary to the colonel of Malcolm’s post in Ft. George G. Mead, Maryland. The couple later returned to Clark Mills, where they raised their family. JoAnn was an active member in the community and Church of the Annunciation, while also working at Slocum Dickson Medical Center in Utica, NY, as the head of the Transcription Department. Together, she and Malcolm traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, and frequently spent time with friends and loved ones. They also spent many winters as snowbirds in Florida. JoAnn was known for her many cross-stitch projects as well as her infectious laugh and love for her family. 

JoAnn is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Suzanne Desimone, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Marc and Jennifer Desimone, of Trophy Club, TX; four grandchildren, Danielle, Ashley, Anthony and Alexander; and sisters-in-law, Elaine and Shirley Desimone. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Malcolm; two brothers, Harry and Bruce Wadsworth.

Details for calling hours, a memorial Mass and a following burial at Kirkland Cemetery on May 17, 2025 can be found at OwensPavlotRogers.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in JoAnn’s memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).