In Loving Memory: Joanna A. Savvides (1949–2025)
The Hellenic News of America mourns the passing of Joanna A. Savvides, a trailblazing business leader, mentor, and pillar of the Greek-American and Cypriot communities. Joanna passed away on September 13, 2025, at the age of 76, following complications from leukemia.
A Life of Accomplishment
Born in Cyprus in 1949, Joanna immigrated to the United States in 1980 and built an extraordinary career defined by vision, perseverance, and leadership. She held prominent roles at IBM, Heinz, Campbell Soup Company, and Vlasic Foods, traveling to more than 70 countries for business.
As the founding president of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, Joanna was instrumental in strengthening international trade and building bridges between global business communities.
Her contributions were widely recognized. She was named a “Woman of Distinction” by the Philadelphia Business Journal, received the Global Leadership Award from the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, the International Women’s Day Award from the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York City, and most recently, the Walt D’Alessio Legacy Award in 2024.
Champion of Education and Mentorship
Joanna’s passion for education and mentorship was a defining part of her life. She taught International Marketing and Global Business Strategy at Saint Joseph’s University and served as a visiting lecturer at Emirates Aviation University in Dubai.
She held key advisory roles, including serving on:
- The Board of Visitors of the Haub School of Business, St. Joseph’s University
- Temple University’s CIBER (Center for International Business Education & Research)
- The Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC), where she advised the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy
Joanna mentored countless women throughout her career, empowering them to grow as leaders and professionals.
Advocate for the Greek-American and Cypriot Communities
Beyond her professional success, Joanna was a dedicated advocate for Hellenic and Cypriot causes. She served on the boards of:
- The Greek-American Chamber of Commerce
- The Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- The Hellenic University Club
- The Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia
She worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the Cypriot cause and promote Hellenic values. A woman of deep faith, Joanna was an active parishioner of St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, NJ, and St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, FL.
Family and Services
Joanna was preceded in death by her son, Andreas. She is survived by her beloved husband, George, her son Renos, her brother Philip, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Services
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects:
- Viewing:
- Thursday, September 18: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday, September 19: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer St., Cherry Hill, NJ
- Funeral Service: Friday, September 19, at 11:00 AM
- Interment: Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Leukemia Research Foundation, St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, or St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.
Honoring Her Legacy
Joanna A. Savvides leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership, education, and service. Her life’s work continues to inspire the next generation of women in business and the Greek-American community at large.
May her memory be eternal.
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