Joan Virginia Domanico

Service Details

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Avenue. Family and friends will gather at 10:00 am to celebrate Joan’s remarkable life, rich with love and beauty. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia following the Mass.

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joan Virginia Domanico, a vibrant and cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie and friend. Born on May 1, 1938, in Racine, Wisconsin, Joan graced this world until October 9, 2025, when she departed peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity.

Joan was the beloved wife of John G. Domanico, Sr., with whom she shared a beautiful union on February 18, 1967, at St. Edward Catholic Church in Racine. Together, they built a life filled with warmth and laughter until John preceded her in death on December 12, 2019. Joan took pride in her family, and her spirit lives on through her devoted children, as well as her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and love.

A member of the community known for her radiant smile and nurturing heart, Joan was not only a dedicated mother but also a talented beautician. After graduating from Washington Park High School, she furthered her passion for beauty by attending the Accredited Schools of Beauty Culture in Milwaukee. She honed her craft working at various beauty salons and later took on a teaching role at both the Accredited Schools of Beauty Culture and Gateway Technical College. After many years of teaching, she and her husband John owned and operated the Kenosha College of Cosmetology, several beauty salons and the Wigwam wig shop until her well-earned retirement.

Joan’s spirit expanded beyond her professional life; she was actively involved in her community. As a past president of the Italian American Ladies Auxiliary and Vittoria Colonna Lodge, she cherished her family’s Italian heritage. Her vibrant character shone through her role as Vice-Queen of Red Hat Chapter #25959, and as a former 5th Street Yacht Club Queen. Joan’s dedication to youth development was evident as she served as a Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Troop Coordinator, and PTA member at S.C. Johnson Elementary School.

Joan embraced life with artistic flair. Her hobbies included figure skating, drawing, painting, sewing, cooking, baking, and celebrating every holiday with beautiful decorations. She enjoyed hosting friends and family as her way of sharing love and creativity, turning every meal into a memorable celebration of good company and great taste. Joan’s chocolate cake wasn’t just a dessert it was tradition, comfort and love on a plate.

Joan leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Lisa M. Domanico, John G. (Ildiko) Domanico, Tina L. Gatzke; grandchildren, Luigina “Gina” M. Graceffa, Mario J. (Monica) Graceffa, Sarah Joan (Sam) Evreniadis, Margaret “Maggie” Joan Domanico, Giana L. Gatzke, Vincenzo “Vinny” M. Gatzke; great-grandchildren, Xavier G. Rodriguez, Twins, Mason A. and Brandon E. Harper, Twins, Emma L. and Elena E. Graceffa, Athena Joan Evreniadis and Alessia M. Evreniadis; brothers, James W. Harrison, John E. “Jack” (Charmaine) Harrison; sister-in-law, Rosemarie Domanico, God-child, Jillian Brown Burrow; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to her husband, Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Stella Harrison, Sr., brother, Samuel R. “Bob” Harrison, Jr., son-in-law, Eric M. Gatzke; nephews, John H. Harrison, Anthony J. Domanico; great-nephews, John Domanico, Joseph Domanico; in-laws, James and Rose Domanico; brothers-in-law, Adam Domanico, Charles Domanico; sisters-in-law, Judy Harrison, Janie Sue Harrison, and Mary Domanico.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Avenue. Family and friends will gather at 10:00 am to celebrate Joan’s remarkable life, rich with love and beauty. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia following the Mass.

In Joan’s memory, let us reflect on the warmth and kindness she so generously shared with everyone around her. Joan Virginia Domanico will forever remain in our hearts, an enduring tapestry of love, creativity, and strength that will inspire all who knew her.