Giovanna Francesca Muscarello

We regretfully announce the passing of Giovanna “Joanne” Muscarello of Mesa, Arizona, who passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Our mother, Giovanna, was one of the strongest, bravest, and kindest women to ever walk this earth. Our family was incredibly blessed to have her as its matriarch, and her strength, love, and unwavering devotion to her family will forever be a part of who we are.

Giovanna was born in October of 1951 in Termini Imerese, Sicily, Italy. She immigrated from Sicily as a toddler and spent her childhood in Chicago before settling in Mesa, Arizona, where she would make her home for the remainder of her life. Alongside her parents, she owned and operated Cosmo’s Italian Restaurant in Higley, Arizona, for 37 years. Cosmo’s was more than a restaurant—it was a gathering place where family, friends, and generations of customers shared meals, laughter, and countless memories. Through her work there, Giovanna touched the lives of thousands of people.

Giovanna later pursued a second career in real estate acquisition, sales, and commercial development. She possessed an incredible instinct for recognizing opportunity, which led to many successful real estate ventures. Her vision, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit were remarkable. Her legacy will continue through our family’s ongoing redevelopment of the land where Cosmo’s once stood. Bella Storia will bring the past forward into the next generation of our family story.

In 1983, Giovanna met her beloved husband, Salvatore. Together they built a family and had two children. Giovanna was a devoted and loving mother who poured everything she had into her family. Her home and her heart were always open to family and friends. Around her dinner table, there was always room for one more, and she had a gift for bringing people together over the wonderful meals she prepared, surrounded by laughter, conversation, and her brilliant smile.

Giovanna was predeceased by her loving husband, Salvatore Muscarello, her parents, Cosimo and Maria Di Bella, Zia Ignazia, Zio Luciano, cousins Matthew & Kelly Di Bella.

She is survived by her children, Francesca (Larry) and Vincenzo (Janine); her stepdaughter, Daniella (Steven); and her grandchildren, Aiden, Brice, Regina, Milania, Paris, Ireland, and Cosimo. She also leaves behind Zia Josephine and Zio George Sanfratello, Cousins Vince and Susan Di Bella, Vince, Nirella, and Matteo Sanfratello other cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as countless friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Giovanna’s strength and courage were especially evident in her long battle with ALS. Please consider making a donation in Giovanna’s name to ALS Arizona at alsaz.org, an organization that was important to her and her family.

A wake will be held on September 17, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85297. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church 1551 E Dana Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204, with entombment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery 7900 E Main St. Mesa, AZ 85207.

Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we are grateful for the extraordinary life she gave us, the love she shared so freely, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her story does not end here. It lives on in her children, her grandchildren, her family, and in every person fortunate enough to have known her.