JoAnn Gambardella
August 12, 1964 – September 22, 2026
JoAnn Gambardella, 62, of New Haven, Connecticut, passed away on September 22, 2026. Born in New Haven on August 12, 1964, she was the beloved daughter of the late Vincenzo and Alberta Gambardella. Devoted grandmother of the late Nathaniel Lyons.
JoAnn leaves behind her devoted husband, Miguel Ocasio Sr.; her children, Nicole, Miguel, and Andrea; her cherished grandchildren, Natalia, Antonio, and Giordani; her siblings, Vincent Gambardella, Jennifer Kohloff, and Tracy Gambardella; and her beloved red-nose pit bull, Max.
JoAnn was a loving, caring, selfless, and hardworking woman who devoted her life to her family. She especially loved being a mother and grandmother, cooking, baking, and creating special memories with those she loved. Her family will forever cherish memories of staying up through the night baking Christmas cookies and Easter pies, girls’ beach days, and countless family gatherings.
JoAnn had a way of putting everyone else before herself and wanted nothing more than to spend time with her family. Her warmth, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love will be deeply missed.
Her family will always smile remembering that JoAnn was rarely on time—so much so that they often had to tell her an event started an hour earlier. They will also forever remember her favorite words: “Good luck to ya.”
JoAnn leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through her children, grandchildren, siblings, and all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 731 Main St., Branford, CT 06405. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven, CT 06473.
May she rest peacefully and forever be surrounded by the love she gave so freely.
My dear friend JoAnn, my forever friend. So much time has passed since the last time we saw each other and regardless of the passing of time, we always picked up where we left off, like no time passed at all. That is a Forever Friend💕 I have so many wonderful memories of you, such fun times, crazy times, family times. I am heartbroken to hear of your passing, I wish we had at the very least one more time to be together, Rest easy my sweet fun friend, it goes without saying that you will be watching over your loved ones. Heaven has you now, a wonderful, beautiful Angel that will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to y…