Gioia Regan

Gioia Anne Carusone Regan, of Orleans, Mass., died on May 7, 2026. She was born on December 12, 1930, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the eldest of Margaret Anne Scala and John Joseph Carusone’s five children. Gioia graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1948 and The College of New Rochelle in 1952. On May 15, 1954, she and Dr. Frank George Regan, Jr. were married in Saratoga Springs. After being stationed in Quantico, Va., they moved to Waterbury, Conn. in 1956 to raise their family. They moved to Orleans full-time in 2009, where they had spent time every summer of their married life.

Gioia defined her life through her family, her friendships, and her faith. She loved being a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. Her loyalty to her family never wavered and her love was unconditional. Perhaps her time working as a long distance operator during summers and before marriage cultivated her love of the telephone and keeping in touch with friends from all walks of life. She nurtured her relationships with intentionality, offering a listening ear, wise counsel, and steady support to many. Her love of humanity ensured she never met a stranger, but if she did, they usually ended up sitting at her dining room table the next evening and quickly became a friend. Gioia’s deep faith anchored her, providing her with grace and strength to face life’s challenges. She found humor even in her darkest days, proving that laughter truly is the best medicine.

She was a member of St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church in Waterbury, St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Orleans, The Country Club of Waterbury, and Orleans Yacht Club. She also belonged to multiple bridge groups in Waterbury and Orleans, quietly hiding her competitive fire behind coffee and desserts.

She loved life in every stage of her journey. She found strength in sunsets at Nauset Spit, ironing clothes, and making dinner for a crowd. She embraced the personal qualities of life and taught us all to slow down and be present in the moment. To honor Gioia, call a friend today, make dinner for someone in need, and literally roll out the red carpet for your next visitor.

Gioia is survived by her four children, Patrick (Janet) Regan, John (Ruth) Regan, Margaret Regan, and Anne (Richard) Casson; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings Anne Carusone Landry, Joan Carusone Fargnoli, and John Joseph Carusone, Jr.; nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 71 years, infant twin sons, Joseph and Gerard, and her sister, Marguerite Carusone Whitney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 1, 2026, at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church in Orleans, Mass. Interment to be private. The family will be forever grateful for the compassionate care she received at Liberty Commons and Cape Cod Hospital these past few months. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Church or Broad Reach Healthcare Staff Appreciation Fund.