Joan E. Caggiano

1942 - 2017

Joan E. Caggiano obituary, 1942-2017, Rehoboth Beach, DE

BORN

1942

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Parsell Funeral Homes Atkins-Lodge Chapel - Lewes

16961 Kings Highway

Lewes, Delaware

Joan Caggiano Obituary

Joan E. Caggiano

AGE: 75 • Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach icon Joan Caggiano, Owner of Nicola's Pizza and Queen of First Street, bids a sweet farewell.

Joan Gleason Caggiano, one of the most well-known and well-loved restauranteurs in Rehoboth Beach, DE, died peacefully, surrounded by close family at her home on Friday, May 12 of complications from diabetes.

"Mama Nicola" as she came to be known by many, was a Rehoboth icon for her 45 years presiding over the main dining room of Nicola Pizza on First Street. Joan loved people and had the extraordinarily innate ability to remember faces and names together. This superb combination could have won her fame and fortune had she chosen to carve out a career on Capitol Hill, but in Rehoboth it made her beloved by generations of loyal Nicola customers both from the beach area as well as summer visitors from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

Joan knew and remembered everyone. The remarkable thing was her ability to remember the names of little kids summer after summer, even as the kids changed and grew up and brought their own kids in to see "Mama Joan." She especially loved holding court and holding babies!

Known for her exceptional community spirit and service as well as her twinkling blue eyes and warm smile, Joan treated everyone alike -- from Vice President Joe Biden to Joe the plumber. Joan was the face of Nicola's and for generations of locals and visitors Joan made Nicola's feel it was as if it were our own "Cheers." A look at the variety of photographs of notables and non on the walls of Nicola's covering 45 years gives an insight into the range of Joan's breadth and depth.

So popular was "Mama Nicola" that there was even a "Joan doll" created in her likeness featuring her signature short blonde hair and then-uniform red striped shirt. Ask around town and you can find many folks still have a Joan doll proudly displayed on a bookcase or tucked among family treasures.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 24, 1942, Joan was an identical "mirror twin" with her sister Janet, a twinness that would delight and confound family, friends and even medical staff all their lives. The family moved to Penns Grove, New Jersey when the twins were ten. Joan graduated from Penns Grove High School in 1960 . In 1964 she married Nick Caggiano, a union that would produce two children, the familiar Joan & Nick logo and multitudes of happy customers thanks to their world-famous Nic-o-boli.

Prior to starting Nicola's Pizza on June 11, 1971, Joan worked at Farmer's Bank and in a local restaurant. But it was at Nicola's where she reigned as Rehoboth's Perle Mesta, taking on the qualities of that legendary hostess by treating all her customers as special guests, welcoming customers as if into her own home. Indeed, Joan was the hostess with the mostess

Joan loved Rehoboth Beach as much as the town loved her. Her community spirit and support were legendary, a major part of her legacy. She gave of her time, talent and treasure whenever and wherever needed. Special Olympics of Delaware, where she was a volunteer and strong contributor, was most near and dear to her heart. She was founder of the Rehoboth Beach Co-op Nursery School, Chairperson of the Rehoboth Beach Easter Parade for over twenty years and prior to moving to Rehoboth Beach was a girl Scout troop leader.

She was a contributor to Rehoboth Art League, to the Village Improvement Association, the Children's Beach House, Beebe Hospital and many others. Additionally, Joan was a member of Saint Edmond Catholic Church, the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was Queen Mother of the Rehoboth Beach Broads Chapter of the Red Hat Society, an elected position she enjoyed until close to the time of her death. Over her many years, Joan won numerous awards for her notable charitable work.

Joan was predeceased by her parents John and Emma Howard Gleason and a brother-in-law William Munyan.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years Nicholas Caggiano; her son Nicholas Caggiano, Jr. and his wife Andrea and their two children Vincent and Julia Caggiano, all of Ocean View, DE; her daughter Camille Caggiano of Rehoboth Beach; her twin sister Janet Munyan of Rehoboth Beach, a niece Kelly Munyan of Lewes, DE as well as many devoted friends as the ocean has waves. "Joan Caggiano leaves behind a big hole in the heart of Rehoboth Beach."

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 11:00 AM at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Avenue , Rehoboth Beach, DE. where a viewing will begin at 9:30 AM.

A Viewing will also be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE.

Burial will follow the services at the All Saints Cemetery , 20274 Beaver Dam Road at Rt. 23, Harbeson, DE.

Please omit flowers. Contributions are suggested to the Delaware Special Olympics, 546 S. Bedford Street. Georgetown, DE 19947

Please visit Mrs. Caggiano's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com

Published by The News Journal on May 15, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?





Joan was indeed the heart and soul of Rehobeth and we looked forward to her smiles at every visit. Her remarkable memory for faces is legendary. She watched our son grow to an adult and when he would come in without us (patrons for forty years) she knew exactly who he was (and even met the girl friend before we did). She leaves Nicola's in good hands, but hers will be sorely missed.8

Penny and Michael Suritz

March 9, 2018

I will always cherish our childhood memories on visits to Penn Groves. Condolences to your family and may God bless and comfort them.

Fred Howard

May 23, 2017

Not only did I lose my dear and beautiful sister in law, but the heart of our family, she will never be forgotten, love, jo

jo tussey

May 20, 2017

Dear Caggiano Family your Mom has touched so many hearts over the years. Her smile and kind words every time we saw her. She would always take the time to talk to our kids and give them lollipops when they were little. It's the only place in Rehoboth someone would take the time to say Hi every time to everyone and ask how are you doing and thanks. You always treated us like family.

Stan Wolski

May 19, 2017

my sister Annies was a friend of the twins when they went to grade school in Penns Grove, never forget how friendly and happy she was when she came to our home. RIP Joan God gained a angel.

May 19, 2017

Condolences to your family.
Wonderful memories will always be with you.
Rest In Peace Joan.

David and Maryann Hopkins

May 18, 2017

Deepest condolences and blessings for the family of dear Joan Caggiano. She glowed with joy and held court at the great, homey kitchen known as Nicola's to our utter delight. Her gorgeous spirit will linger in every booth and in every heart.

Patricia Cullen-Raine

May 18, 2017

Love, light, a warm embrace. Just a few of the words I can use to describe Joan.
I've know her all my life and will truly miss her wonderful energy and kindness. RIP Joan. God gained an angel.

Shelly Talmo

Friend

May 18, 2017

What a loving person. She sure will be missed. We both celebrate the same wedding anniversary on 4-11-1964 and I will always remember her.

Ann Noweck

May 17, 2017

Joan Caggiano touched the lives of many. Her presence will certainly be missed by all. May the hope of seeing her again in paradise help you all through these difficult days.

A caring neighbor

May 16, 2017

I didn't know Joan, but her smiling face drew me to send my heartfelt and deepest condolences to her family and many friends.

May 16, 2017

Without question, a woman for 'All Seasons and All Ages'. She leaves a void in the hearts of us all.

Brady McKaig

Friend

May 16, 2017

I took my children to Nicola's the week it opened in 1971. A photographer took our picture and it appeared in the paper. Joan kept the picture and always remembered us when we made our yearly trips to Rehoboth. This will be the first time in 46 years we will not see her and I know how much we will miss her.
Our sympathy to the family and all of Rehoboth. The Cumberlands - Bethesda MD

Clare Cumberland

May 16, 2017

It is never easy to lose a loved one, I pray you find comfort in Gods promise found at John 6:40 which says that soon we will see all our loved ones again. My deepest condolences to the family.

May 16, 2017

Nick and family

Our deepest sympathy in the passing of Joan. In reading her obituary, it is apparent that she was a remarkable and accomplished woman. Our prayers are with all of you.

Joe and Louise Lucchesi

May 15, 2017

My condolences to the family for your loss.
May each of you find a source of comfort from "the God who gives peace"

With
Sympathy,

Donna

Donna

May 15, 2017

Joan will be so missed! I live in Lancaster, Pa and my parents live in Rehobeth ...for 20 plus years. We always would enjoy eating at the main location and watching the train on the tracks circle the dining area while eating our great meal AND being greeted by Joan's smiling face! We brought friends and family there over the years. Joan always said hello and asked how everyone was doing...and if she could get anything for anyone. Part of the joy in going was the food but more her personal, family-style and friendly touch. Even with the new location we would go to the original location to see Joan. It will be sad not to see her there upon our future visits but I have been blessed to know someone who spread so much cheer and sunshine upon us. Never a day went by that she didn't smile. Sorry for your loss. She will be missed! Suzane Camwell daughter of Lynn and Bob.

Suzanne Camwell

May 15, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Joan death , losing a love one is never easy, but the Bible gives us comfort and hope . The Bible gives us comfort and hope because god is the god of all comfort.through his son Jesus Christ, I hope this comfort you an your family. Through a time like this

Anita

May 15, 2017

Janet and Family, please accept my prayers and condolences at this very difficult time. Sincerely,

Flo Jaros

May 15, 2017

our most sincere condolences to Joan's entire family, she was one of the finest ladies we had the pleasure to know in our 21 years living in Rehoboth Beach . May she RIP

Ducky & Barbara Travers

May 15, 2017

Nick, our condolences to you and your family. Your mom was a wonderful Rehoboth personality and always an uplifting presence when we came to Nicola's. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.

The Stack Family

May 15, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn, sustain your family during this difficult time - Isaiah 61:1, 2.

Mrs. Lynch

May 15, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4

May 15, 2017

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the words of John 6:40 bring you comfort. CR

May 15, 2017

My husband met Joan and Nick in 1971 enjoying nightly pizza's. An ICON to Rehoboth. Over the years and bringing our boys to share experiences, Joan welcomed everyone with a smile, open heart, and kind words. She always took time to ask about the family. She will truly be missed. May you all find comfort in those thinking of your during this difficult time. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Best always from AZ, Ken and Ruth Patterson

May 15, 2017

Oh, dear Joan, we'll miss you so much. I'm proud to say that this year was my 40th year knowing Joan and enjoying Nicola's wonderful food. I may have seen Joan upset about something one time in all those years, and I think it had something to do with the sauce that day. Joan, you will never know how far reaching your remarkable friendliness and welcoming attitude has spread.

She ALWAYS made me and my new guests that I convinced to give Nicola's a try, feel like we were just coming home for a Nic-O-Boli that night. I can't think of one person in all that time that didn't come back to me and say what a great place Nicola's is, and how Joan always had a smile and open arms. AND they would always go back to Nicola's every time they visited the beach. She was amazing. A piece of my life has gone Home.

You will be terribly missed. My condolences to your family, all of whom I've met and interacted with over the years, including her twin sister.

You will always be an icon of Rehoboth. This is a very sad day. RIP my friend.

Steve Serdahely

May 14, 2017

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Memorial Events
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May

17

Viewing

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Parsell Funeral Homes Atkins-Lodge Chapel - Lewes

16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

May

18

Viewing

9:30 a.m.

St. Edmond Catholic Church,

409 King Charles Avenue ,, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19958

May

18

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Edmond Catholic Church

409 King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19958

Funeral services provided by:

Parsell Funeral Homes Atkins-Lodge Chapel - Lewes

16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

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