Obituary of Joanne Ricca

Joanne Ricca, 76, of Howell passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. She was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Freehold before settling in Howell in 1991.  After working as a data entry clerk for McGraw Hill, Joanne obtained an associate degree in early childhood education. She was a devoted member of the First Assembly of God Church of Freehold. Joanne was a social person that had a great appreciation of Mother Nature. She enjoyed researching and visiting historical lighthouses and national monuments. She surrounded herself with butterflies, beach and bird decor and took great care curating her collectibles. Joanne was an avid reader, jig saw puzzler and crafter, having created countless knitted accessories for hospital patients. She liked spending time with her Friendship Garden and Senior Center friends, Cindy and the entire fellowship of First Assembly of God Church. 

Joanne always put family first; she made many lasting memories with her loved ones at the country house in Franklin Square and took great delight in celebrating holidays with her nearest and dearest.  All who knew Joanne will remember her for her good sense of humor and her strong-minded disposition.  

She was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Katherine; and her sister, Rosalie Sillaro. She is survived by her brother, Gino Ricca and his wife, Janet of Brick; sister, Felicia Bonaimo and her husband, Bill of Ocean Township; nieces and nephews, Robert Sillaro, Debra Odell, Gregg Ricca, Danielle Griffiths, Denise Sarram, Kristine Storie, and Darcie King; as well as eleven great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the First Assembly of God Church, 272 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold on Monday, August 21, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:45 AM with her funeral service to begin at 11:45 AM. Entombment will follow in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, 299 Freehold-Englishtown Road, Freehold. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joanne’s memory can be made to First Assembly of God Church, 272 Jackson Mills Road, Freehold, NJ, 07728.  For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com