Joan (Joni) M Korzen

Joan Marion Korzen (Joni), age 86, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, at Westminster Point Pleasant. Joni was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Raymond S. Korzen; parents, Michael J. and Catherine T. Cassanto; and her brother, John M. Cassanto. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Kim and Dennis Denton of Knoxville, TN; son Scott of Bradenton, FL; and nieces, Michelle L. Cassanto and Valerie A. Cassanto of Annapolis, MD.

A devoted wife, mother, sister and aunt, Joni was also a woman of deep and enduring faith. A lifelong Catholic, she attended St. Bernard's Catholic Church and Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles during her 40+ years on Anna Maria Island, and later St. Joseph's Catholic Church when she moved downtown. Joni's strong faith guided her life and she modeled this faith to her children.

Joni had a gift for connecting with others-she never met a stranger and had a way of lighting up every room she entered. Her warmth, kindness and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Professionally, Joni enjoyed a long and impactful career with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, where she served for 23 years both as Director of the Drug Free Workplace Program and in Membership Development. In that role, she helped welcome countless new businesses into the community. She was deeply committed to community service, serving for many years on the board of directors of the Manatee Players and working tirelessly to bringing the Farmer's Market to downtown Bradenton. Joni was also one of the first female members of the Rotary Club of Bradenton and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Joni had a lifelong love of the arts. As a child, she studied ballet, tap and jazz, and as a teenager, she danced regularly on American Bandstand. She enjoyed theater, music, art and dance throughout her life. Joni also loved to travel, both within the United States and abroad, with Italy holding a special place in her heart.

 An enthusiastic sports fan, she enjoyed cheering on her favorite teams-theTampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Florida Gators-always alongside her family. She also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and horses.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joni's life on Saturday, June 6, at Griffith-Cline Chapel, 720 Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton. Receiving of friends will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. Joni will be interred on the campus of the University of Notre Dame later this Fall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 709, Clearwater, FL 33762 or to the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205.