Ann L. Brognano

Ann Lorraine Brognano, age 89, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Ann was born in Dunkirk, NY on September 18, 1935, to the late Lawrence and Giovanna "Jenny" Blasi Cerato, and graduated from Kenmore High School in 1953. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Buffalo School of Nursing in 1957. On June 22 of that same year, she was united in marriage to James P. Brognano, DDS in Kenmore, NY. She worked as a registered nurse for the Erie County Public Health Department until Jim and Ann moved to Rome in 1958. Ann was instrumental in establishing Jim’s dental practice where she worked for many years as she raised her five cherished children.

In her early years, Ann was very involved with all her children’s activities. She treasured her time as a cub scout den mother and a girl scout leader. Ann was a former president of the Mulberry Branch of the Rome Twigs and an avid Atlanta Braves fan. She loved gardening, playing card games, especially blackjack, and spoiling her Yorkie, Josie. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her husband, the love of her life, and her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She spent many days at their house on Delta Lake where she loved to host family cookouts, go for boat rides, and to fish off the dock (as long as she didn’t have to put the worm on the hook). She was also proud that she and Jim were featured in Randy Travis’ music video, “That’s The Way Love Goes” which was filmed at their beloved lake house.

Ann will be remembered for her strong Catholic faith, infectious laugh, her never ending patience, her artistic skills, and her ability to make anyone smile. As a devout wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she enjoyed every moment she spent with her family, especially cooking Italian dishes for the holidays. Her family meant the world to her, and she was their biggest fan.

Ann is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, James; her sons, James (Tina) Brognano Jr., and Thomas (Mary) Brognano both of Rome; her daughters, Joanne (Joe) Vitalone of Irving, TX, Mary (Joe) Campbell of Rome, and Lauri (Gregory) Kondella of Jewel, NY; her beloved grandchildren, Brianna (Neil) Kubik, James Brognano III, Michael Brognano, Thomas (Emily) Brognano II, David Brognano, Lyndsey Brognano, Jenna Vitalone Edde (John), Danny (Becca) Vitalone, Nicole Campbell Needham (Matt), Joseph (Abby) Campbell IV, Cameron Kondella, Faith (Andrew) Rodriguez, and Isabella (Tha) Wah; her cherished great grandchildren, Isaac, Oliver, Aiden, Tommy III, Ford, Finley, Sophie, Adeline, Emmett, and Victoria; her sister- in-law, Patricia Grillone; her faithful K-9 companion, Josie; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Ann is predeceased by her sisters, Kathryn Cerato and Mary Jane Zimmer; sister-in-law, Jennie Surace; brothers-in-law, Frank Brognano, John Surace, and Joseph Grillone; niece, Kathy Griffin; and nephew, Johnny Surace.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Hospice, as well as all her caregivers especially Melinda, Angie, Tanya, Gayle, Kenya, Patty, Katrina, and Danyell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11 AM, at St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Wednesday from 3 to 6 PM.

Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com .