BOARDMAN — Kathleen C. Franceschelli, a longtime restaurateur and a corrections officer who served at the Ohio State Penitentiary for more than 20 years, died Friday afternoon, Aug. 7, 2026. She was 74.
Franceschelli was born June 26, 1952, in Youngstown to Joseph and Mary Jane (Smith) Giampietro. For many in the Mahoning Valley, she was known both for her role behind the counter at neighborhood eateries and for a steady career in corrections that spanned decades.
Local business owner and public-service career
During her life she was co-owner of Mario's Restaurant and later owner of Giampetro's Italian Carry-out, businesses that served local customers and contributed to Boardman’s small-business fabric. In addition to her work in the food industry, Franceschelli spent more than 20 years as a corrections officer at the Ohio State Penitentiary, according to family notices.
The combination of small-business ownership and corrections work positioned Franceschelli in two very different but highly visible roles in the community — as a proprietor many locals likely knew by sight and as a public servant working in the state corrections system.
Family and community ties
Franceschelli’s family said she enjoyed spending time with relatives, particularly nieces and their children, and also liked visiting casinos. She is survived by three siblings and a close extended family network that includes nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.
- Siblings: Chris (Mike) Cunningham, Sam Giampietro and Lee Giampietro
- Nieces: Nicole (John) Muckridge and Krista (Mike) Ramirez
- Great-niece: Ava
- Great-nephews: Jack, Luke, Evan and Elliot
Her family asked that those who respected her memory consider a donation in her name to an organization she and her loved ones support.
Memorial arrangements and ways to help
Family and friends may pay respects from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m.
| Event | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Visitation | Aug. 15, 9:00–11:00 a.m. | Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman |
| Celebration of Life | Aug. 15, 11:00 a.m. | Same as above |
The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, 1300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44510. Donations may also be made online at www.rescuemissionmv.org/donating.
In personal remarks, the family extended particular thanks to staff who cared for Franceschelli at the end of her life. They singled out the Hospice House and Aventura at Assumption Village, and named nurses Michaela and Danielle and aides Amber and Matti for the "exceptional care given to Kathy."
Broadcast tribute and how to follow
A television tribute prepared by the family and funeral home will air Friday, Aug. 14, at the following approximate times on local stations:
- WKBN — 5:17 a.m.
- FOX — 8:39 a.m.
- WYTV — 5:19 p.m.
- MyYTV — 6:37 p.m.
The funeral home indicated a video will be posted on its website the day of airing; friends and family are also invited to leave messages and prayers on the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.
Kathleen Franceschelli’s life intersected with many in the Mahoning Valley through both her businesses and her public service. The scheduled services and the family’s choice of the Rescue Mission as a recipient of donations provide concrete ways for the community to remember her and to support causes important to her family.
For those planning to attend services, the funeral home and family ask visitors to follow local guidance and any health advisories in place at the time of the visitation and service.
