Josephine "Lydia" Bongiovanni, 92, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 5, 2025, at Schofield Nursing Facility in Kenmore, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Mary (Moceri) Rizzo Catania (late Samuel).

Lydia attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1952. On October 17, 1953, she married John Bongiovanni at the Italian Christian (Walnut Avenue) Church. Mr. Bongiovanni predeceased her on September 14, 2018.

Lydia will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother. She also worked at the Niagara Falls Air Base office and part time at Woodward Insurance Agency and local retail department stores. Lydia had a deep love for music, both playing and singing, and teaching piano. She served as an organist and pianist at Walnut Avenue Christian Church and later as a pianist at Forestview Church of God.  She also enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

Lydia is survived by her two sons, Paul (Marie) Bongiovanni and Richard (Jill) BonGiovanni; her grandchildren, Tim (Katie) Bongiovanni, Jason (Dyanne) Bongiovanni, Kathryn "Katie" (Tony) DeMauro, Michael (Brianna) BonGiovanni, and Ashley Bongiovanni; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Nick, Liam, Rocco, Vinny, Josiah, Richie, Brooke and Enoch, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 65 years, she was predeceased by her sister, Rosalie (late Paul) Hogan.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 10 – 11 AM at Forestview Church of God, 1250 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lewiston, NY.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.  For online condolences, please visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.