Giovanna F. “Joan” Kelly (nee Ferrante), 87 of Whiting, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, at her home. With her forever friend Carol by her side. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Joan lived in Rahway for 12 years, Inverness, FL, and Colonia, NJ, before moving to Whiting in 2002. She worked as a lab analyst for Dow Chemical, in Bound Brook, NJ, for 20 years before retiring in 2002. Joan was an avid reader, played the slots in Atlantic City and enjoyed looking at and purchasing properties in the Poconos with Carol.
Joan is survived by her son, Eugene R. Kelly, Jr., her daughter, Michelle Kletter, her daughter in law, Jane Kelly and son-in-law, Howard Kletter, her grandchildren; David Lopes and his wife, Caroline, Eugene R. Kelly, III, Michael Bacigalupo and his wife, Claire, Thomas Bacigalupo, Joseph Kletter and Michelle Kelly,
step granddaughter Maranda Schlipf, her sister Anne Roselli and her devoted and caring friend for over 40 years, Carol Spirko. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents John and Theresa Ferrante and her 7 siblings.
Cremation will be private, and a Celebration of Joan’s life will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan’s memory to the Shriners, Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
