Joan Ringle Policastro

Joan Ringle Policastro passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Joan earned a BS degree in music from Lebanon Valley College and a MA in Music from Rutgers University, as well as her supervisory certification. She was the Music and Arts Chairperson in Middlesex Borough NJ for many years where she primarily taught general music classes and choir to junior and senior high students.

As a member of the New Jersey Music Education Association Board of Directors, she served as State Chairperson for “Music In Our Schools Week” and the Convention Manager for State music conventions in New Jersey. She also served as a Clinician at the Eastern Music Education National Conference and was President of the Central Jersey Music Education Association. In addition, Joan was very active in the life of her church where she directed several vocal and bell choirs. She was an accomplished pianist and organist and taught privately for multiple years.

Joan is predeceased by her loving husband, Steven Gerald Policastro and a granddaughter, Kiersten Victoria Vega. She is survived by her children, Dr. Victoria Policastro Vega, Gregory Policastro; grandchildren, Dr. Connor Policastro, Christian Vega, Lauren Joan Vega Duhe’, Alexandra Vega Boudreau, and great grandchildren, Nora Joan Policastro, Erin Victoria Policastro and Sean Allen Policastro.

Services will be held in the chapel of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State St. in New Orleans, LA 70118 on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. Interment will be in Laurel Grove Cemetery located in Totawa, NJ.

A celebration of life is also planned for early summer in Joan’s home state of New Jersey.

Per Mrs. Policastro's wishes, please consider planting a tree in her honor instead of sending flowers. Contributions for tree planting may be made at https://www.nolatreeproject.org.