Gloria Jean Port

Gloria Jean Port, 80, of Pittsburgh, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at her beauty salon-the place where she did what she loved most and where she had shared so many special moments with friends and clients over the years.

Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1945, in New Castle, Gloria was the daughter of the late Edward Jr. and Anne Paolini Downey.

For more than 50 years, Gloria was the proud and devoted owner of The Hair Loft by Gloria Jean in Ellwood City and Zelienople. She had a gift for making others feel beautiful inside and out, and her salon became a place where friendships blossomed, and laughter was shared. Always curious and health-conscious, she also co-owned Systems 2001 N.E.T., a nutritional supplement company, alongside her dear friend Doak.

A woman of many talents, Gloria was an artist at heart. She loved painting and also designing floral arrangements, finding joy in bringing beauty into the lives of others. She treasured date nights and traveling to Naples with her loving companion of the past three years, Louis. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family including her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

One of Gloria’s greatest joys was celebrating Christmas. She poured her heart into making the holidays magical-making homemade ravioli and all of Christmas Eve dinner with love, filling the house with festive decorations, and especially spending hours late into the night getting ready for Santa Claus. Those moments became cherished family traditions filled with warmth, laughter, and the sparkle of her creativity.

Gloria was also blessed to see her oldest grandchild get married, a moment that filled her with pride and happiness as she witnessed the beginning of a new chapter for her family.

Gloria is survived by her children, Ron (Denise) Port of Lititz and Stacey (Hoby) Hanna of Cleveland; her eight beloved grandchildren-Jason, Kevin, Tim, and Ryan Port and Sophia, Quint, Finn, and Cecilia Hanna; her sister, Patty Smail of Chippewa; and her brother, Ben Panella of New Galilee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Domenic Port, and her second husband, Francis “Jerry” Sapienza.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4-6 p.m., and on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m., at Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave., Ellwood City. Interment will follow at Clinton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared at marshallsfh.com