Joan Gerbo
January 18, 1921 - January 3, 2017
Joan Gerbo passed away on Tuesday January 3, 2017 just two weeks shy of her 96th birthday. She is preceded in death by her husband Elmo and her daughter Barbara. She is survived by her two sons John Gerbo (Ruby) and Robert Gerbo, grandchildren, Nikos Sawyer (Chelsie), Ian Gerbo (Sally) and Sean Gerbo (Spencer) and three great-grandchildren, Zane, Liam and Maren Gerbo.
Joan was born in Cosmos, Minnesota on January 18, 1921. The family relocated to Silver Lake, Minnesota where she spent her childhood. She moved to San Francisco, California at 18 years of age. She soon got a job with Pacific Telephone Company as an Overseas Operator. On the job during World War II, one of the things she enjoyed most about her job was connecting GI's with their loved ones here at home.
Joan met Elmo Gerbo on a blind date and soon married on May 7, 1950 in San Francisco. After the wedding they moved to Modesto, California where they owned and operated Garetto's Delicatessen, a downtown landmark known for their homemade ravioli, noodles, sauce and all things Italian.
After retiring she and Elmo went on a month long trip to Italy with family, along with cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. But our annual vacation to Aptos with family and her close friend Dorothy Lowry and her family remained her favorite. This vacation tradition started in the sixty's and continues with our families to this day.
Joan and Elmo were among the first parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Besides being an active parishioner, she was one of the first members of the Catholic Daughters, worked on organizing the Fall Festivals, and was troop leader for the Cub Scouts of OLF School.
In her spare time she enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Many children of family friends have personalized Christmas stockings from her needles.
She'll be missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
A Visitation is scheduled for 6:00PM-8:00PM with a Rosary beginning at 7:00pm on Wednesday, January 11, at Franklin and Downs Funeral Home 1050 McHenry Avenue Modesto, CA; a Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00am, Thursday, January 12 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 505 W Granger Ave, Modesto, CA 95350.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Community Hospice.
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Published by Modesto Bee on Jan. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joan Gerbo

7 Entries

Linda Wickens

August 28, 2021

Joan was my God Mother. My mom Rose worked with Joan at the Phone Co,In San Francisco they were great friends, Joan lived downstairs from us way b 4 I was born. I spent summers with Joan & Elmo in Modesto, loving all the joys of the Deli, Elmo's parents on their farm and the love of family and food, ahh the cooking and wonderful fresh food... and the LOVE. I remember when "Aunt" Joan was pregnant with John. I was a little kid. But I do so remember Lucille, Joan's sister as my mum and Joan & Lucille had been close friends for years, I remember their mum Mama Gerabeck( sorry about the spelling) wow what great memories. Yes Joan was a wonderful person, I remember her laugh and how sweet, kind & caring she was, never loud voices
by Joan or Elmo, he was such a love of a person, showing me how the ravioli was made, making sandwiches for me, & ahh the pickle barrel..yum!
& the Bagna Cauda, peeling garlic all day- was FUN and then the finished product. I know this is long- but so are the memories and joy of Knowing Joan and Elmo and being apart of a big wonderful family . I don't know if John remembers me I was getting older and I spent my last summer in Modesto soon after.. Love to all I'm no Longer Linda Wickens, my named has changed & my country. Joan would love this next piece, we have a new Priest in my church he was last in MODESTO CA, I can't wait to speak with him... I love you Joan and I know you are in heaven with the people you loved, say Hi to mum for me Love Linda. I do have some wonderful photos of Joan and a great one at the farm, Peace and God Bless

Craig and Lori Wood

January 11, 2017

John, know that you were a good son. Your father is proud of the way you cared for his loving wife. Rest assured they are happy together.

Barbara Gillette

January 11, 2017

I am saddened by your loss as Joan was a significant part of my childhood as neighbors we all looked out each other and our mom's were a key component to that village. Unfortunately the last of the West Granger's greatest generation has passed and they will be fondly missed. I have great memories of Joan's distinctive laugh, she was a wonderful woman. My condolences to you and your families at this difficult time.

Craig and Lori Wood

January 11, 2017

John, Know that you were a good son. Your father is proud of the way you cared for his beloved wife. Rest assured they are happy. Our love to you, Ruby and Rob.

January 8, 2017

Mike and I are sending prayers and hugs to John and all of Joan's Family. Love you guys!

Linda Kovacs

January 8, 2017

John and Ruby.....Jerry and I send our condolences. Joan must have been a remarkable woman. Linda and Jerry Kovacs

Sue Zwahlen

January 7, 2017

I remember Joan well from my OLF days. My thoughts are with you all at this tender time.
Sincerely,

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