Jo-Ann Marie Fontano
7/16/2026

Jo-Ann Marie Fontano was a lifelong resident and volunteer of Somerville, whose warmth, generosity, and magnetic spirit touched everyone she met. Jo-Ann passed away with her loving sister Orsola Susan by her side on July 16th. She was 72. Born in Cambridge and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Vincent “Jimmy” J. and Jo-Ann Marie (Campagna) Fontano.

Jo-Ann loved life, music, especially disco, sports, her community, and her family. Above all, she loved people. She welcomed everyone with an open heart and had a remarkable way of turning strangers into friends and friends into family.

Before pursuing her dream, Jo-Ann held stable positions at Harvard University and Prudential Insurance. She left behind the security of her previous jobs to pursue her passion and enrolled in Wilford Beauty Academy. She opened Nefertiti Hair Salon in Lexington Center on July 7th, 1977. For more than five decades, she devoted herself to the work she loved. Her clients were never simply appointments. They became friends, family, and an important part of her life.

At the center of Jo-Ann’s life was her beloved sister, Orsola Susan. The two were rarely apart and were affectionately known as the “Fontano Sisters.” Their extraordinary bond was built on a lifetime of laughter, companionship, devotion, and unconditional love.

Jo-Ann shared a special bond with MaryRose and has been a constant presence in her life for the last 24 years. MaryRose became Jo-Ann’s goddaughter. Now MaryRose has a son named Christian, who is a wonder and treasure to Jo-Ann, and affectionately calls her “Goddess.”

Jo-Ann is also deeply grateful to the Lyon family. She often says that without Bob Lyon, his son Jeff, and his grandsons Will and Lowell, Nefertiti would not be what it is today.

Jo-Ann was the dear cousin of Donna, Annmarie, and Maria and the cherished member of the Fontana, Campagna, Ventola and Langone families. Jo-Ann is also survived by many loving and dear friends.

Jo-Ann lived generously, loved deeply, and made everyone she met feel like family.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Jo-Ann’s family at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Saturday, July 25th, from 6 to 8 PM, and again on Sunday, July 26th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford on Monday, July 27th at 11 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.