Joan Ferreri de Napoli, of Rye, New York, died on September 2, 2023. She was 89.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on November 7, 1933, she was the daughter of Vincent and Jeanne Ferreri. She graduated from St. Brendan’s High School, where she played basketball and the cello. After earning a degree at St. John’s University Teachers College, she went on to teach elementary school for eight years, three of them in San Antonio, Texas.
Joan de Napoli was a devoted doctor’s wife, loyal to her religion, a PTA volunteer, a church organist. She took piano lessons at Carnegie Hall. An avid bridge player, for 32 years she served as Bridge Chairman at Westchester Country Club, developing the program that exists today. She was recently honored, as a 56-year member, at the club’s Centennial Celebration. In her 40s and 50s, she was a member of the Just Dance Troupe, which provided entertainment at senior centers and nursing homes, and at community events.
She loved Broadway shows, traveling, Solitaire, crossword puzzles, and the Game Show Network. Mostly she enjoyed being with her family and celebrating every occasion, and spending holidays at her sister’s house. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren of whom she was very proud. She was their number one supporter at every event.
“Joan was kind, smart, generous, talented, stylish, fun, spirited, loving, beautiful inside and out, and a huge presence,” said her family.
She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Robert de Napoli, and her brother, Dr. Carl Ferreri. She is survived by her children, Joyce (Michael) McNiff and Robert de Napoli; her grandchildren, Christopher and Cara; her sister, Ellen Aversa; and her brother-in-law Lou de Napoli and his wife Anne.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held September 8 at Church of the Resurrection, in Rye.
