Joanne Marie DiCarlo

She was born on October 22, 1941, in South Euclid, Ohio, to Raymond and Rita Gillich. Joanne was a proud graduate of Regina High School, Class of 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio. She married her husband Don in April of 1960. They lived in Philadelphia for a short time and raised their two adopted children in St, Charles, Missouri. Don's work took them to Jacksonville, Florida 1987. They subsequently retired in Venice and then Bradenton, Florida. She moved to Sarasota three years before passing, to be closer to her daughter.

A woman of grace and determination, Joanne lived a life full of love, friendship, and accomplishment. She was an avid bridge player, golfer, and volunteer for many organizations throughout her life. She was Club Champion at St. Andrews Golf Club in St. Charles, MO. and served as President of St. Louis Women’s Golf Association. She was a longtime member of Rosedale Golf & Country Club in Bradenton, Florida as well as Capri Isles Golf Course in Venice, FL. She continued to enjoy the game of golf well into her seventies. She served as President of the Newcomers Club in both Missouri and Florida. In addition, she was a Charter Member of the Lakewood Ranch Sarasota Elks Lodge #2855, serving as the Lodge Chaplain, Harry Anna Trust Fund Italian Dinner, Chairman of the first Annual Golf Tournament, Ranch Hands and Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies volunteer. She was the Chairman the Miracle League Pirates baseball team for special needs children and adults. Joanne also contributed her time and energy as a church Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church as well as for Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida. She especially enjoyed delivering communion to homebound parishioners. Joanne also started the Encore group at Our Lady of Lords Catholic Church, for widows and widowers of the Parish.

She especially enjoyed her many friends and activities at Arietta Independent Living Apartments in Sarasota, FL.

Joanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald J. DiCarlo of 43 yrs, as well her partner John (Jack) Unger of 16 years. Also her brother Thomas Gillich (and his spouse Sue Gillich) and her Brother-in Law, William Elliot. She is survived by her sister, Therese Dangel as well as her children, John J. DiCarlo (spouse Phoebe DiCarlo) and Kathleen M. Hogue (spouse Daniel Hogue), her Sister-in Law, Diane Elliot and many loving family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Joanne will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, competitive spirit, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Her life was an example of love, compassion and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community. Her best quality was her immense heart and compassion for everyone that she met. She will be remembered for her positive and kind spirit. She was genuine, supportive, reliable and encouraging friend.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Incarnation Catholic Church, located at 2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL.

Following the Mass, inurnment will take place at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota.

A reception will be held afterward at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota.

To honor Joanne’s life, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Sarasota Junior Golf Academy, or The Harry Anna Trust Fund.