Jovanne DeNigris

Jovanne Theresa DeNigris (Harvey), affectionately known as “Honey,” was born on October 18, 1945, in San Francisco, California, to Joseph and Louise Harvey, joining brothers Dennis and Ronald. In 1950, the family relocated to Sacramento, where she gained a loving stepfather, Elmo Lencioni, and a brother Robert Lencioni. She graduated from El Camino High School in 1963. After graduation, she returned to San Francisco, launching a successful career with the upscale retailer Roos Atkins, eventually overseeing buying operations in Honolulu, Hawaii. A trip home to Sacramento in 1975 changed everything – serendipitously she met the love of her life, Robert DeNigris. They married on May 16, 1976, had five children, and celebrated fifty years of marriage in 2026.

Throughout her life, she found her greatest fulfillment in serving others. From her career at RA to working alongside her husband in the family business~ Roma Liquors Inc.; her warmth and genuine care for people left a lasting impression. Later she opened her home as a daycare provider and brought that same devotion to classrooms as a dedicated aide in Catholic schools touching countless lives. A philanthropist at heart, she gave generously of her time and resources to the causes she loved. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish, a member of the Dante Women’s Club and the Italian Catholic Federation, an avid supporter of Catholic education, and a proud donor to PINC Sacramento and the Sacramento Children’s Home Crisis Nursery Program.

After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Jovanne passed away peacefully at home in Sacramento on May 23, 2026, surrounded by family. She is survived by her devoted husband Robert; daughters Rena Zellars (Bill) and Kristina; sons Carl (Melissa) and Joseph (girlfriend, Kaylen); granddaughter Siena Marie; brothers Dennis Harvey (Cindy) and Robert Lencioni (Shelley); sister-in-law Nordine Buckley (Raymond); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Carl Joseph; parents Louise and Elmo Lencioni and Joseph Harvey; brother Ronald Harvey; sisters-in-law Kathleen Harvey and Laurie Lencioni; and nephew Ken Barnes.

Catholic funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1333 58th St, Sacramento, CA 95819) on Monday June 15th beginning at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund in her memory at the Dante Club of Sacramento (2330 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95825) or to PINC Sacramento (5150 Fair Oaks Blvd., #101-133, Sacramento, CA 95608)