Joan Cento-Gravina

Joan ”Joanie” Cento Gravina, 61, of Bronx, NY passed on surrounded by her loved ones on July 29, 2020. 

Joanie was born in the Bronx and was raised on Bathgate Ave, down the street from Arthur Ave. NY’s true Little Italy for most of her childhood. Her family later moved to the Pelham Bay/Country Club area of the Bronx where she resided for over 45 years.

She had an incredible passion for live music, bands and meeting new people. Joanie was known as the life of the party and made friends everywhere she went. She was known as the mayor of her neighborhood because of how she embraced everyone, friends, family and strangers alike. 

Joanie was at home whenever she had her feet in the sand with ocean waves crashing into them.  

Joanie was one of the most affectionate people, she had one of the largest hearts and loved children, especially her granddaughter Emersyn and all of her nieces and nephews; Nicole, Kristen (Gravina) & Craig Leith, Vincent, Jaymi, Jacklyn, Joseph, Elyssa, Alexa, Juliana, Jake, Jennifer, Chloé & Penelope.

Joanie enjoyed sharing her experiences with all those around her.  Especially while eating a thin crust sausage pizza from Louie and Ernie’s in the Bronx. 

Joanie had a highly infectious feisty inquisitive personality, that tended to get her into trouble. Yet, she had a heart of gold.

Joanie graduated from Lehman High School. She shortly after landed a job with the NY Phone Company as a dispatcher at the company’s garage.

Joan was a brilliant billing manager. During her professional career she billed in numerous industries. Beginning as a biller for Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ where she billed for four years. After returning back to NY she began billing for numerous car dealerships during the span of a decade.

After leaving the auto industry she joined her brother-in-law’s highly successful Manhattan law firm, Jaffe & Nohavicka and single handedly created a billing department, billing system and customized the software which they continue to use to this day.  

Joanie is survived by her loving daughter Jillian (Roger Baldanza). Her Siblings  Vincent (Lori Delfino Cento), Lori, Anthony, Dawn (Peter Rosconi),  Kristine (Joseph Nohavicka) and Joyce.

She was a fabulous and loving grandmother to her granddaughter Emersyn Lou and had another grandson named Rocco Santo on the way. She was affectionately called "Grammy" by all.

Joanie was predeceased by her parents Rocco and Alma (Zeolla).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph Giordano Funeral Home;

1727 Crosby Ave, The Bronx, NY 10461

Monday, August 3rd, 2020

4:00pm-8:00pm

In lieu of flowers please donate in Joan’s memory to St. Judes Children’s hospital.

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=6696459&pg=personal&fr_id=39300

Joan will be cremated following services, as that was her wish.

Due to the continued public health mandates and concerns, please know that there is an occupancy limitation on the amount of guests allowed in the funeral home at one time. Facial coverings must be worn at all times in the funeral home, and social distancing must be practiced. Your adherence and cooperation will be greatly appreciated by the family, staff and the community.

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