Ms. Giebelhaus was a graduate of New Dorp High School and The College of Staten Island with a B.A. in Psychology. Joan earned her Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Columbia University.
Joan worked tirelessly for over forty years at Silver Lake Specialized Care Center. She started her career as the Admissions Director then occupied the key positions of Assistant Administrator and Administrator until she retired in 2017.
Joan was an active member of the Staten Island community volunteering her time with many organizations, most notably the Alzheimer’s Association, Meals on Wheels, and CTV’s Senior Care and Lifestyles. Ms. Giebelhaus was recognized by University Hospice as the Circle of Life recipient and received the Staten Island Community Television NOVA (Notable Outstanding Video Achievement) Award.
Joan is survived by her sister who was also her caregiver Debra Cantoni, her nieces Kimberly DiRoma (Frank) and Kaitlyn Pavia (Salvatore), and her two great nephews Dean Pavia and Giovanni DiRoma. She also leaves behind her beloved cat Rosie.
She was preceded in death by her parents John Henry and Eva Giebelhaus and her brother-in-law Lawrence Cantoni.
Ms. Giebelhaus enjoyed traveling the world and spending time in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. A favorite pastime was hosting Christmas Eve with her family, cooking and serving the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harmonfuneralhome.net for the Giebelhaus family.
A mass of christian burial for Joan will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at St. Rita RC Church, 281 Bradley Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. A committal service will occur Monday, February 6, 2023 from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM at Moravian Cemetery, 2205 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10306. A visitation will occur Monday, February 6, 2023 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310.
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