Joan R. Baldassare

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joan Rose Baldassare, who peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the remarkable age of 96. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joan’s welcoming sensibility and warmth filled everyone’s heart with unwavering love.

Joan was born on July 28, 1928, in Yonkers, New York, to the late Joesph and Alice Poci, accompanied by her two brothers Joseph and John. In April 1953, Joan married her high school sweetheart, R. Thomas Baldassare beginning a partnership spanning 37 years until his untimely passing in 1990. Despite their separation, she carried her eternal love for Thomas cherishing his memory every day. Together, they raised four children – Karen (Rich), Thomas (Karren), Alice (Dan), and Toni Ann (Mario) - who in turn carried their values forward to their seven grandchildren: Alexandra, Matthew, Danielle, Laura, Kaitlyn, Matthew, John, and Jessica, and nine great-grandchildren: Charlie-May, Liam, Vivi, Harry, Reagan, Rosie, Emma, Grace, and Benjamin. She is also survived by caring and loving caretaker Lika.

Her devotion to others extended beyond family into the community where she volunteered at Valley Hospital in the maternity ward knitting hats for newborn babies, and to the Sacred Heart parish serving as a librarian, and CCD leader. As an avid baker and chocolatier, Joan joyously hosted family holidays passing down generational family traditions. In her quieter moments you’d find her immersed in crafts, mystery novels, puzzles, except when she was rooting for her beloved New York Yankees. She also enjoyed spirited game nights with loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 4-8 pm at the Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Rt. 59 Suffern, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, June 20th at the Church of the Presentation, 271 W. Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you send donations to Fred’s Team, care of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: www.fredsteam.org/donate