Mary Joan Riccardi

Mary "Joan" Riccardi passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 13, 2025. She was 90 years old. Joan is survived by her husband of 68 years Joseph "Chubby" Riccardi, their children Paula Diffley and her husband Stephen, Joseph Riccardi and his wife Mary, and Joanne Palazzi. She is also survived by her grandchildren Nicholas Huddleston and his wife Monica, Joseph Palazzi and his partner Angelica Asperilla, Joseph Riccardi and his wife Olivia and Teresa Thute, and her husband Gannon, and great grandchildren Vivienne, Lilienne and Lena, and many nieces and nephews. Joan had four siblings. She is survived by her sister Lora Flanagan and predeceased by Elizabeth Breslin, Tom Black and Eileen Peet. She is also predeceased by her parents Franklin and Mary Black.

Joan was born in Brooklyn and lived there until she, Chubby and their children moved to Fredon Township, NJ where she truly lived her best life. Joan was embraced by her new community where she ran the Road Department for a term and was later elected Mayor. Her professional life was impressive and diverse. Joan worked for Newton Service Agency where she became a partner. Later she owned her own insurance agency, Riccardi Services. Joan also worked at Newton Memorial Hospital where her many responsibilities included organizing monthly luncheons, which she enjoyed immensely and gave her the opportunity to express her creative side. Joan's last job before retiring was working at her beloved St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church where she was a long-time parishioner.

Joan was called to Community Service. She held leadership roles in the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way, and volunteered for countless other causes.

Despite her busy life, Joan always found time for the things that brought her joy including her cats, taking pictures, and reading.

She was very proud of their 18th century home and enjoyed decorating it for the holidays. She loved gardening and always had beautiful flowers planted outside the house. She loved being on the back of Chubby's Harley and sometimes napped or read a book to pass the time on long rides. Joan and Chubby travelled to many places with their oldest and dearest friends Rosalie and Tony. For almost 20 years they spent several weeks every spring in Cancun together.

Joan was a loving soul who cared deeply for her family and community. She will be greatly missed.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Make-A-Wish Foundation, a cause that that was near and dear to Joan and Chubby.

Visitation will be held Thursday Oct. 2, 2025 from 8:30 AM through 9:30 AM in the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home #156 Main Street (Rt. 206) Newton, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday October 2, 2025 at 10 AM in the Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church #24 Halsted Street Newton, NJ. Entombment will follow in the Saint Joseph RC Cemetery Woodside Ave. Newton, NJ. Online condolences through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com