Joan Marie Pantano

Joan was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School, and graduated from Wilmington High School, Class of 1950. She later attended Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine and successfully completed the requirements for the Podiatric Assistants Program.

In 1953, Joan married Joseph Paul Pantano, and they were happily married for over 35 years until his passing June 8,1989. Together, they owned and operated several businesses in the Wilmington, DE area, including delicatessens and restaurants, and later in Naples, FL continued with businesses in the food service arena, including owning and operating a Charles Chips franchise. Joan also worked at various golf courses in the Naples community, retiring from Grey Oaks Country Club when she was 85 years young!

Joan is survived by her children and their spouses, Joseph P. Pantano, Jr. (Diana); Deborah A. Stewart (C. Wayne); Donna M. Brignolo Allen (Joseph); and Nancy DeLange (Aubrey); her sister, Patricia Thiele, her brother-in-law, Frank Pantano, as well as many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marie, her grandson, Richard K. Fasti, her parents, James and Hannah McKinsey, and five of her six siblings.

Joan's family expresses their utmost gratitude to Don Knipp, who became her close companion and provided much needed physical and emotional care in her final years.

A ceremony to celebrate Joan's life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The family will receive visitors beginning at 9:00 a.m., and the service will commence at 10:00 a.m. at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL, with a reception immediately following.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Pantano family.