Joan F. Santelli, 93
DOVER - Joan F. Santelli passed away Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 at The Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE.
Born February 18, 1930 in Tarentum, PA, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Lillian (Vagnone) Guadagno. After graduating from St. Joseph's High School in Natrona, PA, she attended the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, graduating from the latter with a B.A. in theoretical economics and political science. She worked as a bookkeeper for her father's steel business and after her marriage, moved to Bellerose, NY where she worked as a reference librarian for the Hanover Bank in Manhattan.
She received a Masters Degree in Education from the C.W. Post College in Long Island as well as a teaching certification in both New York State and New York City. She was appointed to a teaching position in The Abigail Adams School (P.S. 131 Q) in Jamaica Estates, NY where she went on to implement two special programs in addition to her regular teaching duties: Family Living and Sex Education, and Educating Talented and Gifted Children.
In 1987, she and her husband retired to an adult community in New Jersey, "Homestead at Mansfield" where they lived for 18 years. In addition to obtaining a New Jersey teaching certification and substitute teaching for 3 years, she became active on several committees, served as a delegate from her section for 2 years, and on the Board of Trustees for 2 years including 1 year as president. She also served on the Board of Trustees of " Lakeland Harbour" in Lakeland, FL where they wintered for 18 years. She and her husband moved to the Wild Meadows community in Dover, DE in 2005. PLaying bridge both in person and online was her favorite pastime.
In addition to her parents; she was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Lawrence; and her sisters, Lois Walker and Mary Lou Vincolo.
Survivors include a son, Alexander of Torrance, CA; a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Jo and Dr. Robert A. Moyer of Lewes, DE; a brother, Louis Guadagno (Judy) of New Hamburg, NY; and her devoted nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:00 AM Tuesday, Nov. 14th at The Church of the Holy Cross, 631 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901. Visitation will be held Tuesday morning before Mass 8:45AM to 9:45AM at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St. Dover, DE 19901. Entombment will be private in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joan's memory to The Samaritans of Holy Cross at 631 South State St., Dover, DE 19901 or to the Delaware Hospice Center at 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
To share a fond memory of Joan or to offer a condolence to her family please visit www.ambruso.com.