Joan C. Ricci

(nee Tomasulo) On March 9, 2026, of Washington Twp. Age 94. Beloved wife of Rocco. Devoted mother of Irene Sullivant (Norris), Catherine Liapes (Peter), and Anne Manero (Charles). Loving grandmother of Joanna (Tim), Kristin (Jacob), Leslie-Anne (Geza), Christopher, and William. Proud great-grandmother of Alyce, Levi, and Alexander. Dear sister of the late Josephine, Marie, Margaret, and Pasquale. Loved by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joan will be remembered by all who knew her for her kind and generous nature. She was a source of wisdom and inspiration for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She ended every phone call and visit with “enjoy every moment” and “be happy.”

She met her beloved husband Rocco when they were 12 years old. What began as a childhood friendship blossomed into a beautiful love story and 73-year marriage. Rocco describes her as “the lady I have loved beyond measure from my earliest days.”

Joan was an athlete. In her youth, she played softball and field hockey. As an adult she was an avid golfer, winning several trophies, and she was the Middlesex County amateur ladies champion. She also served as president of the ladies golf league at her previous active adult community at Greenbriar at Whittingham in Monroe Township.

Joan had fond memories of attending New York Giants baseball games at the Polo Grounds with her father when she was a child. When the Giants and Dodgers left New York, she and Rocco made sure their daughters became avid Mets fans. Mothers Days were spent rooting for the Mets at the Sunday doubleheaders. Even after moving to Phillies country in south Jersey, Joan proudly and bravely stayed true to her beloved Mets (although she did graciously dance with the Phillie Phanatic when he visited Juniper Village).

Joan loved music and was known for her beautiful alto voice. She passed her love of classical, big band, and swing music to her children and grandchildren. While a resident of Juniper Village she enjoyed singing with the choir.

Joan was a devout Catholic and served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years at St. Bartholomew Parish in East Brunswick. She also taught in the parish’s RCIA program and inspired many of those she sponsored in their journey to initiation in the Catholic faith. She volunteered with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, coordinating the volunteers who provided transportation for those in need. Joan was especially devoted to the Blessed Mother and served for several years as president of the Altar Rosary Society.

Faith and family were at the center of Joan’s life. She leaves a legacy of love and her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her.

Family and friends are welcome to attend her viewing Monday, March 16^th 10:30 – 11:30 AM at The Church of The Holy Family, 226 Hurffville Rd., Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:45 AM. Interment Gloucester County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”