Diana Risien Jannetta

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend, who went to be with the Lord last Thursday October 17, 2024. She is survived by her son, Robert M. Davant, III and his Wife, Shannan Davant, her Sister, Alice Snyder, her Grandchildren, Gabriella Davant (Gabby) and Robert M. Davant, IV (Cuatro), and a multitude of beloved step children and step grandchildren. She was preceded in her journey by her parents, Raymond and Sara Risien, her loving Daughter, Jessica Davant, and the love of her life, her Husband, Peter Jannetta, all of whom she is now reunited with in love, peace and joy.

            Diana Jannetta was born in Houston Texas where she grew up and then graduated from Lamar High School. She attended Duke University in North Carolina and graduated in 1958 with a Degree in Business Administration (BA) (Phi Beta Kappa). Diana then went to work at Texas Commerce Bank as an Executive in the Business Development Department from 1958 through 1961. While working, she obtained a Master’s Degree (MA) in Spanish Literature from the University of Houston in 1960. From 1961 through 1962 she was a Spanish Teacher at Houston Independent School District until giving birth to her daughter, Jessica in 1962, when she became a full time Mom. She subsequently gave birth to her son, Robert in 1964,

            In approximately 1970, Diana moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her children. Western Pennsylvania is a place she adored and called home for the remainder of her life. She became a champion, advocate and supporter of the art world through her continuing education and work/ life experiences. She earned a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis on 20th Century American Art from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976. From 1979 through 1987 she served as Chairman for the Pennsylvania Counsel on the Arts. Diana went on to express her creativity and passion for the arts through her work as a consultant in the arts, interior architecture and design industry. In these endeavors, she worked as Director of the Pittsburgh Office of Neville Lewis Associates (1982-1983), Interspace, Inc. as a Principal (1983), L.D. Astorino & Associates, Ltd. As Principal and Vice President (1983-1989), and in her own business, Diana Jannetta & Associates, Interior Design beginning in 1989. She married her loving Husband, Peter Jannetta, M.D. on September 9, 1989. She continued with her affinity for the arts through her work as an Art Critic for WQED Public Radio with a weekly radio show beginning in 1991.

            Throughout her life, Diana was committed to community service, especially concerning the arts. She was a Trustee for the Houston Contemporary Art Museum (1967-1969), President of the Houston Ballet Foundation (1967-1969), Miller Outdoor Theater, Houston, Texas, Chair, Board of Director (1968-1969), Women’s Committee Museum of Art, Carnegie Institute (beginning in 1972), St. Edmund’s Academy Trustee (1976-1977), Pennsylvania Public Television Network, Commissioner (1980), Pittsburgh Symphony Trustee (1978-1979), Pittsburgh Dance Council Trustee (1978-1979), Institute of Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania, Trustee (1986), Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Trustee (beginning in 1986), Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Trustee (1987-1991), Pittsburgh Public Theater Trustee (beginning in 1986), Carnegie Mellon University Art Gallery Trustee (1986-1991), Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Regional Advisory Council (1987-1991), Pittsburgh Blind Association Trustee (1990-1992), WQED Metropolitan Broadcasting Trustee (beginning in 1990), Westmoreland Museum of American Art Trustee (beginning in 1991), Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Chairmen (1998-1999) among others. Diana was always there for her family. She had unrelenting will, determination love for life, community and family. We love and miss you, Godspeed Nana. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday November 23, 2024 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to WQED, Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory or Manchester Craftsman Guild. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)