Joanne Lanzillo

Joanne Lanzillo passed away unexpectedly at home on May 9th, 2026.

Born and raised in Everett, she grew up in a three-decker home that was filled with relatives, traditions, and the warmth of a bustling Italian household. The beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Mattuchio) Lanzillo and adored sister of the late Joseph J. Lanzillo. Joanne was devoted to her family and always said that her happiest memories were holidays with family.

Joanne was a devoted public servant, who worked for four Boston Mayoral administrations. She was the administrator of the Fund for Boston Neighborhoods for decades and through her work overseeing beloved Boston events including Concerts on the Common, Concerts on Boston City Hall Plaza, the Tall Ships visits to Boston Harbor and other major civic events, she delighted millions of people over the course of many years. She was an ardent supporter of the Boston Marathon and was recently awarded a medal by the Boston Athletic Association for 30 years of volunteerism and dedication.

Joanne also brought great joy to family and friends, who appreciated her sense of humor, and amazing savant-like knowledge of numbers and details. She loved her summers on the Cape, carefully organizing each barbecue down to the last detail. She enjoyed boating and hanging out with the family’s dog, King. In her younger days, she was an avid runner and aerobics enthusiast.

Joanne is survived by her cousins, Stacy McGrath, Donna (Manganaro) Rauseo and her children Michael and Lynn Rauseo, John and Erin Rauseo, and Jennifer Turosky and her husband Brian.

Donations may be to Tufts Medical Center Cancer Center and the Massachusetts Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) both of which reflect causes that were close to Joanne’s heart.

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