Stephanie DiSanti

Stephanie DiSanti, known to her friends and family as “Steph,” of Freedom, PA, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, at the age of 61. She was born on March 24, 1963, to the late Eugene and Angeline DiSanti.

Steph’s life was defined by her unyielding love for her family, her generosity, and the incredible joy she found in simple pleasures. In 1996, she became a mother to her beloved daughter, Maria Kathryn, whom she adopted from Krasnodar, Russia, when Maria was just one year old. The bond between them was immediate and profound, and the moment they arrived in the U.S., they were greeted at the airport by her siblings, nieces, and nephews, with cheers and homemade signs, excitedly welcoming them home. Maria “made” Steph’s life, and in return, Steph completely transformed Maria’s life.

Steph will be missed immensely by Maria and by her beloved pet Cavachon, Izzie. She will be remembered with so much love by her siblings: Marcie (Joe) Knittel, Anthony DiSanti, Kathy DiLorenzo, Eugene (Cheryl) DiSanti, and David (Janene) DiSanti. She was also adored by her nieces and nephews: Michelle (Evan Hanna) Knittel, Joe (Rita Gates) Knittel, Tracy Knittel, Dustie DiSanti, Chris (Jackie) DiLorenzo, Lisa (Mitch) Pavelko, Nick DiSanti, Lexie DiSanti, Brittany Edgerton, Emily DiSanti, and Olivia DiSanti, as well as her great-nieces and great-nephews: Jack Hanna, Mack Hanna, Rory DiLorenzo, Sloan DiLorenzo, Lorelei Knittel, Patrick Knittel, and Isla Pavelko.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Angeline DiSanti, and her sister-in-law, Pam DiSanti.

One of Steph’s greatest joys was spending time with her family, whether it was celebrating milestones, watching daily videos of her great-nieces and great-nephews, or simply reminiscing about her childhood in a large, close-knit family. Cooking was another passion, and she found comfort and satisfaction in preparing family favorites for her loved ones. Steph had a lifelong love for coffee—no day was complete without it—and enjoyed a variety of simple pleasures, including watching her favorite crime shows, The Big Bang Theory, and HGTV. She loved to travel, especially with Maria. They shared countless adventures, including 13 cruises, where, as Maria fondly recalls, “I made coffee for her every night on the ships.” Each of these special times together was an opportunity for laughter, joy, and cherished memories.

Steph graduated from Shenango High School and went on to complete the Radiologic Technologist program at Robert Morris College and Allegheny General Hospital. She worked as an X-ray technician for many years, beginning her career at St. Francis Hospital and later at UPMC Passavant. She retired in 2022 after a rewarding career during which she touched the lives of many co-workers and patients.
Throughout her life, Steph faced numerous health challenges but demonstrated an extraordinary strength of character, a positive outlook, and an unending will to live. Her resilience was matched only by her warm, caring nature. She had a unique ability to make others feel seen and valued, always ready to lend a hand and offer support, a testament to her nurturing and giving spirit.

Steph’s family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her parents in Heaven, having no doubt they are celebrating a joyous reunion with Steph and Ange enjoying a cup of fresh hot coffee and Gene enjoying his Miller Lite. While she will be deeply missed by her family, they will cherish the memories of her, and will be forever inspired by her love, warmth, and strength of character.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township. A private visitation will be held on November 13, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial, at which friends and extended family are welcome, will take place on November 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1 Parish Place, Moon Township, PA 15108.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), an organization close to Steph’s heart. Please use the following link to make a donation and be sure to specify Steph’s name in the box entitled “Honoree’s Name”. https://core.org/community/show-your-support/contributions/credit-card-contribution/