Bobbie Joan DiBella

Bobbie Joan Allyn DiBella died peacefully at the Meridian home on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 with friends and family surrounding her.
Best known as Joan (pronounced Jo-Ann), was on the team that owned the popular Galveston restaurant DiBella's, with her husband Charley, who passed away in 2017, her brother-in-law Frank DiBella, who passed away in 2022. The midtown restaurant was a local meeting place for locals for 28 years, who filled the establishment weekly.
Joan was born in Sapulpa, OK, December 1938 to the late Geraldine (Jerri) and Bob Allyn. She had one brother, the late Donald Allyn, who was from Alabama. Joan is survived by her son Danny Tilson (Theresa) and grandsons Brandon and Tyler, of Arlington, as well as several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her half-sister and frequent caretaker Charlotte Hewitt Woods of Galveston, her half-brother Terry Allyn of Broken Arrow, OK and half-brother Pearl "Buster" Hewitt, deceased. Additionally, she is survived by her nephew Louis DiBella of Galveston and his partner Virginia Simmons, of Dallas.
She graduated from high school in Odessa, TX, and went to work for Southwest Airlines, where she worked in the administration of the new airline. She retired from the company and the DiBella's moved to New Hampshire briefly, returning to Galveston with husband Charley in 1988 to open their local restaurant.
As part of the weekly dining ritual at DiBella's, guests were always greeted by a smiling Joan, who never met a stranger. She was affectionate to everyone – men, women, children. She knew all the guests' names and all their pets' names. She loved animals and was active with the Galveston County Humane Society.
She was a board member and volunteer with the Galveston Children's Home and a member of the now defunct Mardi Gras Krewe of Who. She also worked with the Clean Galveston group as well as the Lion's Club.
As an active resident of the Meridian, Joan's reputation spread as an ace domino player and competitive Spades card game champion. Her warm personality made her a favorite at the Meridian with staff and administrators. She loved to dance, party and entertain and was a very special person and friend.
A celebration of her life is planned for Sunday, April 6 at Mario's on the Seawall, 628 Seawall Blvd., Galveston from 3 pm until 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Galveston Humane Society. If you plan to attend the celebration, please RSVP to Louis DiBella, 469-307-7507