Joan Molinaro

Joan Molinaro, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, advocate, and friend, passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 81. She was born on June 2, 1945, and lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to others. Joan was the devoted wife of Eugene Molinaro and the loving mother of Carl, Trudi, and Lisa. She was also a cherished stepmother to Lawrence. Twin Sister to Jeani Winter. Nothing brought Joan greater joy than her family. She was a proud Mormor to Genio, Olivia, Susan, Andrew, Sabrina, Carl, Ashleigh, Raymond, and Lorenzo, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. Joan was a devout Christian who instilled that devotion, love and strong sense of faith in her children. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Carl, a firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Joan carried his memory with courage and purpose throughout the rest of her life. In the wake of that profound loss, Joan became a founding member of 9/11 Families for a Secure America, dedicating herself to honoring the memory of those lost and advocating for a safer future. Her strength, determination, and willingness to stand up for what she believed in inspired many. Professionally, Joan devoted her career to serving the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community as a sign language interpreter and teacher of American Sign Language. Those who knew Joan will remember her for her kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and fierce love for her family. She met life's greatest joys with gratitude and its deepest sorrows with remarkable grace, leaving behind a legacy of service, resilience, and unconditional love. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved son Carl. A Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday at Christ Lutheran Church located at 121 Cleveland Ave Staten Island, New York 10308. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

Joan Molinaro

June 2, 1945 - July 18, 2026