Janice Colosimo Smarto

Janice Colosimo Smarto, 82, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 10, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital.  Born in Grapeville on February 2, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Peter J. and Virginia (Ferrante) Colosimo. Preceded in death by her first husband, John A. Smarto Jr.; her second husband Frank Hodges; and her nephew, Joseph Colosimo.  Janice is survived by her children: Atty. John P. Smarto (Atty. Emily), Jacqueline Smarto Litrun (the late Shawn), and Justine Smarto McCabe (Justin Damiani); her cherished grandchildren: Brittany Williams, John A. Smarto IV (Lindsay), Gregory Williams (Jordan), Brooke Williams, Domenico Smarto, Alexandra Ulm (Austin), Italia Smarto, Abigail Pohl, and Anthony McCabe; and her adored great-grandchildren Giavonna and Eliana Coleman, Carmen Williams, Ashton Ulm, and a great-granddaughter on the way, Amelia Janice Ulm (expected January 2026); Step-Children: Kelly Hodges, Matt Hodges (Jody), and Angie Morris (Ray). She is also survived by her brothers, Joseph Colosimo (Marie), Peter Colosimo (Margaret); nieces Melissa Colosimo, Laura Manko, Godchild Sarah Rohn; nephews Timothy and Jeffrey Frazier; Godchild Dana Nania; her friend, Robert Baum, and many other friends and family who she loved dearly.  A lifelong resident of Jeannette, Janice built an extraordinary career in real estate, holding designations including ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI and LTG. She dedicated 46 years to the industry, serving 20+ years as Broker/Owner of Smarto Real Estate in Jeannette. Her leadership continued after her company was acquired by Prudential Preferred Reality, where she managed offices in Greensburg and Laurel Highlands, later working with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices serving as Broker/Manager and continuing as a consultant by listing and selling homes after retirement.  Her dedication to her profession was matched by her service. She served on nearly every committee within the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) and on the Board of Directors since 1980. She was the 3rd woman in the Century to serve as President of PAR, as well as past Regional Vice President for New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. She received the Realtor of the Year award from two boards, and in 1995, was honored as PAR’s Realtor Active in Politics of the Year. In 2022, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Realtor Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. She was a passionate advocate, traveling regularly to legislative meetings in Capitol Hill to represent her colleagues and her community.  Beyond real estate, Janice served her hometown with pride. She was currently a Jeannette School Board member, and has served on the Jeannette Zoning and Hearing Board, as well as the Westmoreland Co Tax Appeal Board. She has been the only woman on the Airport Authority for over 20 years. In 1992, the Jeannette Jaycees named her Woman of the Year. She championed women in business, mentored many toward success, and secured grants for community improvement including benches for the local amphitheater.
Janice’s happiest moments were spent with her family - hosting gatherings at her home and by her pool, and sharing her love of cooking and baking for weddings, showers, and holidays. She loved her community deeply - its people, history, and its future. She will be remembered not only for her professional achievements, but for her generous spirit, leadership, and dedication to helping others achieve their dreams.  Family and friends will be received Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Ascension Church, 615 Division St., Jeannette, PA 15644. Funeral mass will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Ascension Church.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Brain Trauma Foundation.  Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park.  Mason-Gelder Funeral Home Inc. Jeannette, PA entrusted with arrangements.

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