SHERRI ANN DIPIETRO (nee O’Connell) age 59; It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Sherri DiPietro (aka The Rainbow Bridge Pet Escort) on June 14, 2023. Sherri leaves behind her daughter, Gianna Marie (fiancé Dakota Dudman) and dogs Lola and Diesel. Also left to mourn include her parents Richard D. and JoAnn (nee Fratantonio) O’Connell, siblings Richard “Rick” M. (Diana) O’Connell and Kelly (Byron) Wasko, and significant partner James Robel. Nephews include Nick and Alex Wasko, Sam O’Connell and Max Thomas, special niece of Uncle Sam (Debbie) Fratantonio. Her former husband was Angelo DiPietro. Sherri was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Sam and Josephine Fratantonio and paternal grandparents Harry and Marie O’Connell and Uncle James O’Connell.
Sherri was educated in the Mayfield School System and graduated with honors in 1981. She found her niche in life working and making people feel good. Her early employment was at the Front Row Theater as a concierge for the entertainers that performed at the venue. It was not unusual to see the Front Row limousine parked in our driveway on Sunday afternoons. Occasionally she invited some of the entertainers over for homemade Italian dinners prepared by her mother (JoAnn).
Later in her career, she came upon employment with The DeJohn Funeral Home in their Pet Services department. Sherri was instrumental in helping establish and grow the unique service. Sherri also met her beloved and devoted partner, Jim, through her work. She would receive letters from clients who were so appreciative for the way she handled their beloved pets (samples of these letters are on the DeJohn Pet Services Facebook page and all the 5-Star Google reviews she was so proud of).
Sherri had a long fight that started in February of 2022. We know how hard you fought and the discomfort you endured. We are thankful that you’re now pain free and at peace. Your family loves you so much and will miss you every day.
Love, Mom and Dad
Sherri was born June 19, 1963 (yes, as she would have wanted, 5 days short of turning 60) and spent her life living in the Highland Hts. and Chesterland communities. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, taking walks, riding motorcycles, and caring for animals as well as their pet parents on their journey of grief. Sherri’s most joy was being together with family, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was a creative, free-spirited person who always knew how to get the answer she wanted to hear. Most would say she was a perfectionist, sometimes with a stubborn streak, yet truly kind and compassionate, loving, spontaneous, selfless, and always there for anyone. Sherri had the smile of an angel and could make others laugh just by being herself.
Contributions can be made in Sherri’s name by CLICKING HERE or using the QR Code below to donate Treasured Memories for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Stewart’s Caring Place. Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. A Celebration of Sherri’s Life for family, friends, pet parents, and 4-legged friends will be held later in the summer.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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Katie Rendina
Sherri was such a special person. I met her at one of the hardest times when I lost my heart dog. From then on we became friends. I’m so sorry Kelly and the whole family. Love you guys
Carmen Frederico
What sad news.We loved Sherri she helped us with arrangements for several of our dogs.What a wonderful woman and friend to all animals.We will miss her and those precious poses on Facebook of her and those great dogs she loved so much.Hopefully they keep that part of the funeral home open for our pets.
Peter Breininger
I shall miss you, Sherri.
Rest in peace and God bless your souls.
Gene & Jeanie Antonacci
Our hearts go out to Sherri’s dear family and friends. She was a beautiful person and always willing to help animals as well as people. She suffered for a long time and now she can rest in peace.
Bob Sheridan
Sherri and her sister Kelly were in my English classes at Mayfield. I remember them as good people and part of a generation I’ve always loved and respected. Rest In Peace, dear lady.
Marilyn Goudas
Dear family …when Sherry 1st had the accident I thought she would return… we all waited for her praying and hoping that good health would resume but as days passed we learned that good health was not God’s plan for Sherri… We will miss you Sherry…. We visited you at the rehab center and felt the warmth in your hands but there was no response… Why does God take people who do so much good for others we will miss you Sherry but thank God you are now resting in his arms In peace and without pain..with love, marilyn
Angela Percassi
Such a beautiful soul. My heart is full of sorrow for Gia and James. Sherri was so special and was there for me with two of my dogs. May she rest in peace.
Pam hecey
She was truly one of a kind! An amazing woman! She really helped us with the loss of our beloved dog Rocco! She made a very difficult situation bearable and I felt at ease when she had a beautiful viewing of him! I will never forget rest in peace Sweet Sherri! I am so sorry to her family!
Lisa Mickovic née Faraci
Sherri was such a sweetheart!!!
She was always kind to me ❤️
May she Rest In Peace & fly high with the Angels ️ To Sherri’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Susan Gillespie
We send the entire much love and prayers.
Love,
Sue and Chris Gillespie, Annamay Hershey
Raelyn Okerwall
I had the pleasure to work with Sherri for a short time. She was a good soul. She took care of 3 of my fur children and I wouldn’t have trusted anyone else. May she rest in peace.
Alexa Oehlers
Sherri and I became friends during my employment with DeJohn Funeral Home. I always enjoyed our chats and our shared love for animals. I have great memories of is going bird watching at McGee Marsh and laughing intensely at our girl parties. She was a good listener, very patient and had the biggest heart. May she be reunited with all her beloved family and fur friends. Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers for days to come.
Mari Figoli
Our deepest condolences to Sherri’s family and friends. We met Sherri in 2011 when we lost our baby Mika. Sherri took great care of her and called us every week to see how we were doing. She even made us homemade sausage. She was the sweetest and most compassionate lady I had ever met. Since then, we only took our dogs to Sherri after they passed. She was truly an angel with a heart of gold. The world is a darker place without her in it but apparently every angel has to return to heaven some time. So blessed to have known you Sherri ! God speed ! – Mari & Patrick Figoli
Jack Wishart
Sherri was a good person. I knew her when I used to fly with her ex husband Angelo. I had a lot of dinners over their house and we became friends over the years. My condolences to the family and especially Gianna. I remember when Gianna was a little kid and we watched SpongeBob. I’m so sorry for your loss.