Pica, Giovanna (nee Stallone)

PICA, Giovanna (nee Stallone) entered the presence of the Lord on Monday September 1, 2025.

Devoted wife of the late Franco Pica; Beloved mother of Dominic Pica, Maria Fisher (Ed), Rosanna Pica, and Mario Pica; Adoring Nonna of Margaret Marino (Louis), Salvatore Mazzola (Casey), Natalie Fisher, Franco “Frankie” Pica (Jennifer), Dominic Pica (Madison), Gabriella Wood (Drew), Gina Kmiec (Vince), and Lena Pica; Enamored bisnonna of Gianna, Savannah, Nicholas, Sofia, Elle, Saylor, Kobe, and Isabelle; Loving sister preceded in death by Giacamo (the late Teresa) and Salvatore (Karen) Stallone and survived by Maria Barbera (the late Vito), Umberto (the late Tina) and Virgil Stallone; Loving aunt, “Zietta”, cousin, sister-in-law to her extended family living both in the U.S. and throughout Italy; Cherished neighbor, friend, and patient.

Giovanna was born 100 years ago on May 12, 1925 in Campobello di Mazara, Sicily to Vito and Rosina Stallone and blessed to be raised with four brothers, Giacamo, Salvatore, Umberto, and Virgil, and a little sister, Maria. In 1955, she married Franco Pica and emigrated to the United States. She welcomed their first baby the year after arriving in Saint Louis, MO and later rejoined the workforce employing the tailor trade skills that she and her brother Sal “Toto” had honed working under their father in Italy. Although she learned English and became a U.S. Citizen in 1962, Sicilian always remained her preferred language to express herself.

While she was small in size, Giovanna was not short of personality, and her presence could command a room. She was well known for her talents in the kitchen as an amazing cook and at the sewing machine as a master tailor. She took great pride as a Mother to her four children, and Nonna to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Over the course of the last century, she was able to celebrate countless milestones and holidays with her loved ones like birthdays, graduations, weddings, including her own 100th birthday and congratulate all four of her children becoming grandparents— however, the ones her family will miss most are the fond memories of visits for no occasion in particular that usually culminated in a meal at her table.

The family would especially like to offer thanks to the in-home caregivers. Their services and affection for Giovanna afforded her the blessing to live at home and continue enjoying her recipes and house for as long as she did. These women held a special place in her heart and that of our family.

VISITATION & SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Wednesday, September 17^th  from 4:00 – 8:30 PM.

Funeral Mass at St. Gabriel the Archangel (6303 Nottingham Ave, 63109) on Thursday, September 18, at 10:30 AM and Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery to follow.

~In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are greatly appreciated.~