Obituaries

Virginia C. “Gena” Mongelluzzo (nee Guagenti), 91, of Lima, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones, who will honor her by continuing her legacy of dedication to family.

Gena was born in Lima, Ohio on July 16,1932 to the late Frank J. Guagenti and the late Virginia M. Guagenti (nee Macaluso). She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John Mongelluzzo, Jr and her brothers, Joseph F. Guagenti (Concetta) and Dominic D. “Donnie” Guagenti (Carolyn).

Gena loved her family, friends and life in Lima. She regularly told stories about growing up on O’Conner Avenue with her parents, her brothers, and her cousins who lived next door. Gena’s beloved father, Frank, who emigrated to the United States from Sicily, opened the Milano Club restaurant, along with his two sons in downtown Lima. It was (as it is today at Milano Café) at the center of everything the family and Gena did - hosting Sunday and holiday meals, countless wedding receptions, baptisms, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties and homecomings.

Gena graduated from Lima’s St. Gerard High School. A few years later, she married the love of her life, John Mongelluzzo. They settled in Lima to raise their 4 children and to be close to her extended family. John, a pharmacist, opened Woodlawn Pharmacy in 1958. The drug store was truly a family affair, with Gena, all four kids and many other family members by his side throughout the years. Family and friends regularly stopped by the pharmacy to shop and visit with Gena and John.

Gena was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great grandson, lovingly coaxing each to realize their full potential and to be the best version of themselves. She cherished every moment with them - attending at every opportunity birthday celebrations, grandparents' days, sporting events, graduations, weddings and births. Gena, a wonderful and talented cook, was especially happy to share the joy of food and travel with her family.

Gena was devoted to her Catholic faith and service to others. She was a long-time member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and served the parish in numerous ways throughout her life. She supported many Lima-area charities and was most proud to contribute to the founding of Lima’s Samaritan House and served for many years on its board. She was also a member of Lima’s Charitable Italian American Organization (CIAO), a member of UNICO National Women’s Auxiliary, and a long-time member of Shawnee Country Club.

Gena is survived by her loving children Maria Sanko (Drew) of Lima, John Mongelluzzo (Kerry) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Frank Mongelluzzo (Ann) of Dublin, Ohio, and Virginia Lara DeLeone (Jeff) of Columbus, Ohio. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Erica Sanko, Andrew Sanko, Michael Sanko, Amanda Sanko, Jennifer Mongelluzzo Shepherd, Stephen Shepherd, Lauren Mongelluzzo, Luke Blom, Abigail Mongelluzzo, John “Jack” Mongelluzzo, Virginia “Gina” DeLeone, James DeLeone, and her first great grandchild, John Stephen “Johnny” Shepherd. She also leaves behind many much-loved nieces and nephews.

The Mongelluzzo family is deeply grateful to the medical and administrative staff at Primrose Retirement Community, to Hospice of Lima, and Mary Scott and Caroline Hayer, for their loving care and compassion. And to Dr. Ed Tremoulis for his many years of care and friendship to Gena and our family.

The family will receive friends at the Chiles-Laman Funeral Home on Friday, October 27th, 2023, from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima, Ohio 45805. Visitation will take place from 10:00AM to 11:00AM followed by a mass of Christian burial at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 2200 West Elm Street, Lima, Ohio 45805 on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Interment will follow at Gethsemani Cemetery, Lima, Ohio where Gena will enjoy eternal rest with her beloved husband, John.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gena’s name to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish and to Lima Central Catholic High School Educational Foundation.