SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York
Jan 23, 1935 – Jun 26, 2023
Carola, Joan Ann Ford
MECHANICVILLE - Joan Ann Ford Carola, passed away June 26, 2023, surrounded by her loving children, at her home in Mechanicville. She was born January 23, 1935, at Leonard Hospital in Troy, N.Y.
Joan was the daughter of the late Agatha DeCelle Ford and Joseph E. Ford.
She lived at her parents' home in Hemstreet Park, across the Hudson River from Mechanicville, for the first 23 years of her life.
Joan studied piano at the Troy Conservatory of Music and was a 1952 graduate of Mechanicville High School. After graduating from Alfred State College in Alfred, N.Y. in 1954, she was employed in the medical field by Dr. Leo D. Freydberg in Troy. She later was employed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy as a statistician.
On January 19, 1958, she married W. Donald Carola of Mechanicville. Joan worked as the bookkeeper in her late husband's law office and in her daughter, Andrea J. DiDomenico's law office for a total of 35 years.
An avid bowler for nearly 70 years, Joan was a former member of the Keglers and Women's City Bowling Leagues in Mechanicville, and bowled for more than 30 years in the Thursday night mixed doubles league at Saratoga Strike Zone in Saratoga Springs. Also, she was a former member of the Schenectady Curling Club.
She loved spending time with her family, and she hosted many large gatherings every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve for decades, along with numerous birthday and anniversary parties and family dinners. She was an avid Saratoga Race Course fan and looked forward every summer to opening day. Joan followed horse racing year-round and enjoyed trips to local and out-of-town casinos with family and friends.
Survivors include her children: Andrea DiDomenico (Joseph) of Mechanicville, Christopher (Colleen "Kelley" Lester) of Saratoga Springs, Donald (Patricia) of Mechanicville, Barry of Mechanicville, and Erin Knotek (Kevin) of Cody, Wy.; grandchildren: Michael (Megan) DiDomenico, Joelle (Jordan) Guerrero, Stacia Carola, Allison Carola, Abigail Carola, Kathryn Carola, James Carola, Miles Knotek (Kayla Rowe), and Kara Knotek. Also, great-grandchildren, Mia Rose Guerrero, Luca Danilo Guerrero, and John Joseph DiDomenico.
Joan is also survived by her sister, Kathryn M. Ford; and her nephew,s Frank J. Polsinello, and Dr. Mark J. Polsinello (Laurie); and niece, Colleen M. Franklin (Matthew); as well as her cousins in the DeCelle family, and numerous friends who displayed their loyalty to Joan through the years.
The Carola family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, specialists and attendants who cared for our beloved "Joanie" in recent years, especially Dr. Stephen S. Sgambati Jr. of Mechanicville.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2023, at All Saints on the Hudson South Church (St. Paul's), 121 N. Main Street, Mechanicville.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. by the Rev. George Fleming.
Burial will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery.
Donations in Joan's memory can be made to the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center-Food Pantry, 6 South Main Street, Mechanicville, New York or the All Saints on the Hudson Parish-Youth Ministry, 52 William Street, Mechanicville, New York.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
Thinking about the entire Carola family, especially Don. The Carola household was "downtown" home base for me during my junior high and high school years and will never forget the warmth and kindness Mrs. C showed to me during that time. God Bless.
Al DeLucia
July 04, 2023 | Hickory Corners, MI | Friend
So sorry for your loss. We didn´t know Joan but we live in her parents house in Hempstreet Park and it still has memories of them. Our sympathies and hearts go out to you.
Beth and Jeff
July 02, 2023
A,B,C,D,E and Kitty & Family ~ I don't remember a time when I didn't know Joanie Bologna. The Carola's and the Pickett's went as far back as I can remember. We were neighbors forever. She was a wonderful woman, and a lot of your success can be attributed to her parenting. She once told me that she put away money all year so she could spend it playing the ponies in August. As a lover of the racetrack myself, that's when I realized how awesome she really was. She talked about all of her...
Barb Pickett McGuire
July 02, 2023 | Friend
Andrea and the entire Carola family, I´m so sorry for the loss of your mom. My condolences to you during this difficult time.
Amy Mignacci
July 02, 2023 | Friend
Grove of 100 Trees
Pitch's
June 30, 2023 | Fernandina Beach, FL
We have been friends with Joan for the past 43 years. It is with sadness that we say a few words about her. Those who knew Joan can appreciate her character. She was kind, loving, and had good sense of humor. We will always remember her quick wit and the infectious laugh that would bring joy to the room. I know shes in a better place looking down at us all and smiling. She was someone special. We will deeply miss her. Ruth and Russ Bloom
Russell Bloom
June 30, 2023 | Friend
Donnie & family, We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you comfort and peace and may you always reminisce in great memories. Mike, Jen & family
Mike & Jen Jacobs
June 30, 2023 | Hinesburg, VT | Acquaintance
We had the pleasure of meeting Joan at the 99 Clifton Park she was always dressed beautifully and was very intelligent and so lovely to chat with . We shared the love of horse racing with her and would watch races with her on the tv . She would call us when our horses were running at the track and watch them and cheer them on , she loved the track. And we enjoyed our numerous conversations with her .
We will miss her and our condolences to the family and may she rest in peace. Karen...
Karen Y
June 29, 2023 | CLIFTON PARK, NY | Friend
Andrea & Family: My Condolences for your loss. Cherish all of the Wonderful Memories.
Mary Waldron Perkins
June 29, 2023 | Friend