Joan Catherine Frediani Rener

Joan Catherine Frediani Rener 1938 - 2025

Joan Catherine Frediani Rener, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Gainesville, Virginia, on November 14, 2025. Born to the late Joseph Frediani and Catherine (nee: Brodie) Joan grew up in Staten Island. She met the love of her life, Richard, while they were students at Curtis High School. Joan was a devoted partner through Richard's long and dedicated career in the U.S. Navy. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, a scientist who never stopped asking questions, and a cherished friend to many.

Professionally, Joan was an extremely accomplished scientist whose intellect and contributions earned her the deep respect of many colleagues, though she remained profoundly modest about her many achievements. After earning her PhD in cell biology from the Catholic University of America, she began her career as a Staff Fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. She went on to join Hazleton Laboratories in 1982, serving as a Principal Scientist and Study Director in the Department of Toxicology, where she designed and directed preclinical studies for synthetic vaccines, cytokines, growth factors, and monoclonal antibodies. As a Principal Investigator for the National Cancer Institute, she directed the preparation, purification, and testing of monoclonal antibodies in accordance with cGMP requirements. Her significant contributions to the field included publishing over 30 scientific publications—including papers in PNAS (The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)—and being an invited speaker at numerous national and international meetings. She was also a lecturer at the Center for Advanced Training in Molecular and Cellular Biology and served as a reviewing editor for BioTechniques and Clinical Biotechnology.

Beyond her professional life, Joan embraced a wide array of passions. She worked as a camp counselor in college and this started her love for the outdoors. She enjoyed golf, tennis and the beach. For many winters, she and Richard snow-birded on Sanibel Island, where her love for nature flourished. She was a bird enthusiast and collected shells. She actively volunteered at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) - Wildlife Hospital. She channeled her creativity as a writer and poet and gave back to her community by volunteering as a master gardener, took part in The Giving Circle and teaching English as a second language. A truly modern woman, she served as the beloved "Zoom master" for her college friends. In her Heritage Hunt community, she continued to make many dear friends and cherished the camaraderie of her Bocce team.

Above all, Joan was the heart of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard, and her daughter, Kyle. She is survived by her sister, Barbara (Mike); her children, Clay, Douglas (Beverly), and Robin; her four grandchildren, Brittany, Tara (Dagoberto), Carolyn, and Joseph; and her two great-grandchildren, Lucy and Seraphina, whom she absolutely adored. She also leaves behind 7 nieces and nephews who hold a special place in her heart.

Service Details:

A celebration of Joan's life will be held on Saturday, January 17th, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Heritage Hunt Club House, located at 6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Joan will be buried with her husband Richard at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined sometime in 2026.