Obituary of Joan T. Carafello

"A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

                                ​William Thackeray 

Joan Theresa Carafello passed suddenly at home on Saturday, September 5, 2020.  She shared 82 years of love and faith with her family and friends.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 10th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Ave, Denville.  Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saddle Brook.  Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of YES! And…Collaborative Arts (www.yesandcamp.org) or TreeHouse Books (www.treehousebooks.org). 

Joan was born on March 1, 1938 to the late Joseph & Josephine Bongiorno.  She was one of three children to bless the family.  After her schooling, she married and started a family of her own.  Soon, she was the busy Mom to two little boys. She began her longtime career as a jr. accountant and bookkeeper and she always worked hard to provide for the family.  She passed on her love of the beach and the ocean to her children, who will cherish the memories of strolling together on the boardwalk after dinner, and relaxing and laughing together on a blanket on the beach.

Joan will always be remembered for her beaming smile and infectious laugh. We will forever miss that sound.  She was creative and more talented than she probably knew.  Her hobbies included sewing and painting, and she made elaborate costumes and art through the years. She loved sharing her talents with her family. Although she was a painter, poet and a piano player, her favorite title was that of Mom and Grandma.

She leaves beautiful memories to her sons Stephen (Donna) and Blaise; her grandson Matthew Carafello (Mikayla Roman) andstep-grandson Michael Scardino (Barbara); her step great-grandchildren Katrina and Alexander; and many more dear friends and relatives. 

Although we are all saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is at rest and watching over her beloved family eternally. She will forever be smiling and laughing in all of our hearts.