Birth date: Dec 10, 1932 Death date: May 13, 2025
Born December 10, 1932, Staten Island, NY to Mary and Hector Gherzo, the youngest of five children. Attended Tottenville High School and later NYU Graduate School. Worked for Grace Line Steamship Co. as Admin Asst. to the vice pre Read Obituary
I met Joan about 10 years ago and admired her thirst for life and a youthful sprit. I'll never forget the time she took me for a ride in her classic car. I could not help but to laugh seeing Joan behind the wheel of this long car with loud exhaust. We went to the gas station and I offered to help gas it up, but couldn't figure out where the nozzle went. She got a kick out of it and I learned something new.
My aunt Joan and I have been very close throughout my entire lifetime.
We spent a lot of time together both visiting and talking on the phone as well since we lived so far apart.
I really don’t have just one special memory.
I have so many memories for all the times I would visit her and Mel, and then just Joan after Mel died.
We always found fun new things to do. We enjoyed visiting the Arboretum, the Museums, and shopping together.
I would have to say that one of my favorite memories is when we played miniature golf together when she was 89 years old.
After we finished playing 36 holes of miniature golf, we went to the clubhouse and both had a beer.
That memory sticks in my mind. It was a fun day and it really didn’t have to be anything spectacular for us. We just liked to do things together and enjoy each other’s company.
Rest in peace Joan. It has been a long journey, and I kept my promise to you. I promised that I would always be there for you, and I was, right up until the bitter end.
I will miss you and our memories will always be with me. You will live in my heart forever. Until we meet again.
Godspeed Joan. I love you always!
Mary Jane (MJ). She always called me Mary Jane, because she said she didn’t like fake names.
Condolances to Joan's beloved niece that she shared final wishes.... and to all her other niece/nephews that she enjoyed so much. Sending prayers for comfort and peace.
Joan became a friend in 2010 when I assisted her in burial plans for Melvin. She was a true treasure. She wrote poetry, loved music & took up piano lessons after Melvin's death to occupy some of her time. She adored Melvin & witnessed her devotion when she placed & kept fresh flowers at his grave, even bringing a battery radio to play music he enjoyed. She labored over getting just the right headstone, size & style. We could visit for hours and loved to hear her laugh. She had amazing neighbors & loved her garden & home as much as I do mine. Tried to call her a month ago & hoping she had decided to travel another time to see neices/nephews that she loved so much. So wish we could meet for lunch one more time. I will always have fond memories of Joan. Her passing was on the day of my mother.
I'm hoping she's dancing with her beloved, Melvin, experiencing all the JOY she looked forward to.
