Jennie Bellisimo Laconi

Jennie Laconi went to be with the Blessed Mother on February 24, 2023 just 20 days shy of her 100th birthday on March 16th. She passed peacefully in her home in Ellet as she wished. She is survived by her sons – Bro. Donald Laconi CMJ of Akron and Robert Laconi of Bethlehem, PA.
Jennie was born in Akron to Italian immigrants, Tito and Nina (Cuscuna) Bellissimo, who came to this country in 1920. From the West Virginia coal mines, her parents soon settled in East Akron and Tito worked at Firestone for nearly 40 years. Jennie, always the overachiever, attended Hotchkiss Elementary and then East High where she graduated with honors in 1941. After graduation she got a job at O'Neil's Department store in downtown, which was one of the highlights of her working life. She began in Cosmetics, but was soon promoted to the Personnel Department where she worked for 10 years. She loved that job and her co-workers and it gave her a foundation for a strong business mind. It also gave her another perk when she interviewed a handsome Italian young man applying for a temporary holiday job while attending Kent State. That was Salvatore (Sam) Laconi, who not only got the job, but he also got a sparkle in his eye. They were engaged five months later and married in 1948.
Jennie and Sam's business venture began in 1953 when they bought a small coal store on East Market and Brittain Road and transformed it into Laconi's Pizza – a drive-in with curb service and a postage stamp dining area. It was one of the first pizza's in the area and the burgers, subs, foot long hot dogs, and shakes quickly became a lunch favorite for the nearby rubber shops and East High students. It was a "hot spot" on weekends after all the local games and for families looking to take home a hearty meal. The success of the small drive-in gave way to building a brand new full service Italian Restaurant which opened in 1967. Jennie was an owner and the business manager until 1971. After she divested in Laconi's, Jennie began a career at General Tire and Rubber in the Transportation Department where she worked for 13 years. She retired in 1985. She loved her time there.
Upon retiring, Jennie took advantage of her free time with dedication and service to numerous local organizations as a volunteer. Her span of work was recognized in 2004 when she was awarded "Outstanding Older Adult" by the Akron Senior Citizens Commission. She was very active at her parish – St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Her service there included cleaning the sacristy; work with the Women's Society; the bingo staff; making nut rolls, cabbage rolls and more for the bake sales; and – one of her favorite things to do – counting the Sunday collection. She made her Renewal in 1983. She was recognized with the Woman of the Year Award by St. Matthew's Council of Catholic Women in 2002. Another service highlight was 17+ years and 5000+ hours at Edwin Shaw Rehab Hospital, transporting patients and delivering a smile. Jennie also loved youth and volunteered for 5 years at Hatton Elementary School assisting the third grade and kindergarten classes and tutoring with the Ohio Reads program. Baking treats and making goodie bags for the kids gave her so much joy. Additional volunteer service included the local AARP chapter where she served on the Board for a time.
Jennie was a great cook and baker and in the day enjoyed gardening and decorating her house, for which she was so proud. She looked forward to Spring AND Fall cleaning every year (not a typo!) She enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed a trip to Rome to spend time with her family in Italy who never emigrated. Inheriting a love for card games from her dad, she especially enjoyed a good game of Canasta and 500 Bid! A big heavenly "hello" to all the gals in the Yak-Yak Club!
Jenny's life was blessed with so many beautiful people. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Theresa Ward (Bellissimo), and former husband, Salvatore (Sam) Laconi. In addition to sons Don and Bob, she is survived by "Second Son" Glenn Adkins, son-in-law Herminio Perez, sister Nellie Vitale (Myers/Bellissimo), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Tiffany, her loyal furry companion who brought her so much joy, will miss her Mommy dearly. The family will be forever grateful to the doctors, nurses, aides, chaplain, staff, and volunteers at Summa Home Hospice who provided care, comfort, and most importantly, love for her to stay in her home until the end. Also fondly recognized is Fr. Mike and the Eucharistic Ministers from St. Matthew's who brought her home communion for several years. And last but not least an eternal thank you to her "angels" who aided her for several years to live a full life in her home – Barbara P., Dottie M., Pat D., Barb G., Christine G., Laurie L., and Denise P.
Friends and family can pay their respects on Wed., March 8, 2023 at St. Matthew's Church (2580 Berne St., Akron). Visitation at 10:00 am – 11:30 with funeral mass at 11:30.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jennie's name to: Outreach Ministry for the Poor at St. Matthew's; 2603 Benton Ave., Akron, OH 44312. Or the Summit County Humane Society; 7996 Darrow Rd, Twinsburg, OH 44087.