Joann Papadopoulos

Born in Astoria, New York, JoAnn was the cherished daughter of Barbara and the late Peter McGurty. She grew up surrounded by the love of her close-knit family, alongside her brothers Peter, Kevin, and Chris. A proud graduate of St. John's Preparatory School (Class of 1985), JoAnn went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Hunter College.

Ambitious, creative, and determined, JoAnn built a successful career as a small business owner, operating her own salon with passion and pride. Her brilliance and resourcefulness knew no bounds; if she set her mind to something, she made it happen.

Above all, JoAnn was a devoted and loving mother to her son, Daulton Sullivan. Her world revolved around him, and her pride in him was immeasurable. Twenty years ago, life brought her back into the orbit of her childhood friend, Nicholas Papadopoulos. Their rekindled friendship blossomed into love, and they married in December 30, 2011. Together, they traveled the world—Rome, Greece, Paris—and made unforgettable memories. In the 2017, they relocated to Florida. Incredibly gifted and resourceful, she became a self-taught carpenter and quite literally built her home from the ground up.

JoAnn had a warmth and generosity of spirit that drew people to her. She had a unique gift for making everyone she met feel like an old friend. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend. A proud New Yorker and devoted New York Jets fan (Go Jets!), JoAnn carried her humor, energy, and fierce loyalty wherever she went.

She is preceded in death by her father, Peter McGurty.

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband, Nicholas Papadopoulos; her son, Daulton Sullivan; her mother, Barbara McGurty; her brothers Peter (Sandra), Kevin (Carol), and Chris McGurty; nieces and nephews Garret, Kelsey, Ariel, Ben, Kerry (Joshua), Peter, Sydnie, Eleni (Austin), Shannon, and Joseph; great-nieces and nephews Finn, Oren, Mariella, and Josephine; childhood friends Michele (Johnny) Steigerwald and Matthew O'Brien; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A visitation for JoAnn will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with a reception from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the same location.

JoAnn Papadopoulos touched many lives with her heart, strength, and laughter. Her memory will live on in the stories we tell, the love she gave, and the family she held so dear.