Joan Gargano

Joan Gargano, age 82 of Monroe, New Jersey, passed away on April 27th, 2024 after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Joan was born on November 17th, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, to John and Josephine Tricarico. She married the love of her life in 1965 and raised six children. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Nana, as she was affectionately known to all that knew and loved her, lived for her family. She was the matriarch of the family and the glue that held everyone together. She enjoyed the mayhem of the holidays, cooking and preparing for days. Seeing the joy on her face while the kids wreaked havoc will never be forgotten.    

Although she had six children, she was a mother and nana to many, many more. She continuously called to check up on people, never forgot a birthday or anniversary, and attended every graduation and milestone for her loved ones. She enjoyed shopping, mostly for others, and found every excuse to do your laundry when she came to visit. She ran circles around those half her age and was excited to find a random sock that she could add to the laundry pile. Even though she was hesitant to fly, she vacationed around the world and savored that time with her family. Nana was not tech savvy, and would call her family daily to complain about not being able to access her emails. Her accidental “butt” dials, especially those at 3:00 am, will greatly be missed. 

She will be remembered for her empathy, kindness, selflessness, generosity, and mostly her ability to see good in everyone. She was, and is, truly an angel. Although she will be deeply missed, she has provided her family with an abundance of beautiful memories that will be shared around future holiday dinners. No amount of time could ever take away the impression she made on those lucky enough to have met her. Her children, grandchildren, and great children will strive to pass on her love of family and the importance of togetherness for generations to come.  

She was a devoted wife, mother, and nana. She was the loving mother of John Gargano (deceased), Kim Klose, Michael Gargano, Robert Gargano, Antoinette Monti and her husband Robert, Stacey Catena and her husband Carmen. She was the adored grandmother (Nana) to seventeen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She was also survived by her sister Marilyn DiSarle, Debora Noto and her husband Greg, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John of 55 years, who was waiting for her with open arms. Johnny and Joannie together again. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ. Funeral services on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 8:45 at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00am mass at St. Helena's RC Church in Edison. Entombment at St. Gertrude's Cemetery, Colonia.

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