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BORN
1947
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Joan Cerniglia Obituary
Joan was born on March 30th, 1947 in Yonkers, New York, daughter of the late Marie Veronica (Brennan) Gorges and George Michael Gorges. She grew up in Cold Spring New York later worked as a nurse at Vassar Brothers Hospital, where she met her loving husband of 54 years, Dr. Richard P. (Dick) Cerniglia. Dick and Joan resided in Poughkeepsie, NY and Hyde Park, NY before moving to Mystic in 1980.
Joan was active in the community as a member of the Mystic Junior Women's club, the Stonington Country Club, and as the chairperson for several years for the annual Sunshine Kids Fundraiser Golf Tournament sponsored by Berkshire-Hathaway Real Estate, where she was employed as an office manager. Joan could also frequently be found at the local athletic fields cheering for her sons and grandsons and their teammates in a variety of sports. Joan was an active traveler, but also enjoyed spending time in her garden at home.
In addition to her husband Dick, Joan is survived by her sister Marianne Darcy, formerly of West Palm Beach, FLA, and lately of Wappingers Falls, NY, her brother Charles Gorges of Cold Spring (Garrison), NY, her sons, Richard Cerniglia of Gales Ferry, CT, and Jason Cerniglia of Mystic, CT, their wives, Eileen (Higgins) Cerniglia and Jennifer Horrigan-Cerniglia, her two grandsons, Conner and Ryan Cerniglia, numerous nieces and nephews, and more dear friends than can be counted.
Her family will receive relatives and friends Sunday, May 22nd from 4-7 pm at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, May 23rd at 9:00 am at St. Patrick Church 32 East Main St. in Mystic. Her burial will be held privately following the Mass.
In Lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations on Joan's behalf to the following charities (or the charity of your choice):
Parkinson's foundation – www.parkinson.org
The Autism Project – www.autismproject.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Cerniglia
Sponsored by Mystic Funeral Home.
Nancy and Bob Killam
May 13, 2023
Hard to believe that it´s been a year. I miss hearing about her adventures
Bob and Nancy Killam
May 21, 2022
Dear Dick, Rick,(Eileen) Jason, (Jennifer) treasured grandsons, Connor and Ryan, Oh my, what a shock! Joan´s smile and laugh could light up the sky. She accepted life as it came with great joy and sparkle! We will remember her always. Love, Bob and Nancy Killam
The Saffomilla Family
May 21, 2022
The Saffomilla family extend sincere condolences to the Cerniglia family. Many wonderful times were spent with Joan in the baseball stand cheering our sons on. It started with Mystic Little League then on to Fitch and New London Leagion. Such great memories that will never be forgotten. RIP Joan. You will be solely missed.
Vivian Smith
May 20, 2022
Joan and I were support group friends. She was so helpful. I will miss her smile and hug.
May the heaviness of your hearts be lightened with fond memories of her.
Julie and Spiro Kavarnos
May 19, 2022
Rick we we're so sadden to hear of the loss of your Mom. We only met her once and could tell how much love she had for you. During this difficult time try and remember all the good memories and keep them close to your heart.
Marion Terry
May 19, 2022
I worked with Joan as a fellow office manager at Berkshire Hathaway. I loved her no-nonsense approach to every situation, her sense of humor and her great attitude. She was a true inspiration to many of us-and I have fond memories of our times together. She was a wonderful, classy compassionate funny woman who will be greatly missed. Prayers for her family that memories of your love for Joan help ease the sadness.
Jim and Elaine LaPietra
May 19, 2022
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the Cerniglia family. Our families enjoyed so many athletic and golfing events together. We will miss her friendly personality . She was a leader and a go-getter. She will be dearly missed.
Melissa Buttermore
May 19, 2022
Jason and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
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