Donna Ponicall Negri
Age 87, of Brookline, originally from Mt. Washington, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Beloved wife of the late Robert “Bobby” Negri; loving mother of Kim Negri Kuhn (Bill), Michele Segneri (Sam), and Roberta Negri Albert (Rich). Cherished grandmother of Taylor Kuhn, Evelyn Negri Albert, and Emma Negri Albert. Preceded in death by mother Evelyn, father Robert, and brother Robert Ponicall.
Donna and brother Bob were lovingly raised by mother Evelyn and father Robert, affectionately called “Jock”. A graduate of South Hills High School, she had a flair for the artistic and took art classes at Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon. She became close with the Negri family, who lived just down the street in Mt. Washington. Donna was best friends with sister Nore, and a close friend of Joe, even teaching him to drive. But it was younger brother Bobby Negri who really caught her attention. They were married in January 1956. Bobby became a well known jazz pianist, and Donna was a jazz afficianado like no other. They had three daughters, and raised them to be fine women in their own right. Donna was a teacher’s aid for special education at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for 26 years, and her impact on those young children would last a lifetime. She maintained lifelong friendships with the teachers there, retiring in 1992 to spend time with her grandchildren. Bobby fell ill in 2008 and was bedridden at home until his passing in February 2010. Throughout it all, Donna was a loving and caring wife, ministering to his every need.
Donna was a devout Catholic, devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes, praying the rosary four times daily, maintaining a list and lighting candles for those needing healing prayers. Donna was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). and First Families of Pennsylvania.
Donna was also the family historian, affectionately called “Lady of the Archives”. She delved deeply into geneology before it was popular, doing the hard work of visiting cemeteries, libraries, and tracking down long lost relatives both here and overseas in Italy, Ireland, and elsewhere. Because of her, we are now much more knowledgeable of our heritage. For years, Donna also maintained a family newsletter for both the Negris and Ponicalls. Everyone looked forward to family happenings and birthday cards from her for years – she never missed a one.
Donna, the matriarch of the family, was the glue that held us all together. Her wise teaching and experienced counsel was appreciated by all. Donna was a loving and kind soul, devoted to her daughters, their husbands, and her grandchildren. She will forever be in our hearts. Rest In Peace, Nunnie.
Visitation will be Monday, from 2 – 8 PM at Brusco – Falvo Funeral Home, 214 Virginia Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Tuesday, in St. Theresa of Kolkata Parish/Resurrection Church, 1100 Creedmoor Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15226. A memorial donation to St. Jude’s would be appreciated. Masks and social distancing are required in compliance with Covid-19 guidelines.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donna (Ponicall) Negri, please visit our floral store.