Joan Kathleen Della Sala

Joan Kathleen Della Sala Age 87, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph "Charlie" Della Sala, Sr., and is joyously reunited with him in heaven. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Leah Twist, and siblings, Harold "Mickey" Twist, Mary Ann Twist, Leah Monahan, Elizabeth "Betty" Lovell, Veronica “Ronnie” Flynn, and John Twist. Joan is survived by her loving siblings, George Twist and Ethel Zabitosky, as well as her three children, Kathleen Roth and husband Mark, Joanne Guthrie, Ralph Della Sala Jr and wife Rosemary, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who cherished their “Aunt Joanie” deeply. Joan was a dedicated professional with a keen mind and exceptional organizational skills. She worked as a secretary at Edison, served as an administrative assistant to the Chief of Police at the Beachwood Police Department, and later as a senior secretary at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. Her contributions in each role were deeply valued, and her unwavering commitment to excellence left a lasting impact. A gifted writer, Joan had a talent for poetry, and one of her poems was chosen to promote a hospital fundraiser—a campaign that proved highly successful. Joan was also actively engaged in civic affairs, serving as the campaign manager for a candidate for mayor of Beachwood, who was successfully elected. Joan’s ability to inspire change was a testament to her leadership and vision. In later years, Joan and Charlie found great joy in playing bingo together, sharing laughs and camaraderie with a circle of cherished friends. These gatherings were filled with warmth, friendship, and laughter -- moments that brought happiness to both of them. Joan also had a wonderful sense of humor and a mischievous streak that kept those around her smiling. Her fun-loving spirit and ability to bring laughter into the lives of others was a gift for family and friends alike. Above all, Joan’s deep faith in God, her love for Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, shaped her life and guided her family. She instilled this faith in those closest to her—a legacy of love and devotion that will be carried forward by generations to come. Services will be held at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC on June 9, 2025 at 2 PM. Both Joan and Charlie will be remembered during Funeral Mass followed by The Rite of Committal at the church columbarium.

Joan Kathleen Della Sala

July 6, 1937 - May 22, 2025