Joan Ruth Garlapo

JOAN RUTH GARLAPO Joan Ruth Nagel Garlapo, of the Town of Tonawanda, passed to her heavenly home at the age of 86, on January 20, 2021, in Hospice care at Northgate Health Care Facility, North Tonawanda, NY. She was born in Buffalo, NY, on September 18, 1934, to the late Howard Earl Nagel and the late Gladys Helen Strade Nagel. She was a 1953 graduate of Tonawanda High School, where she was active in musical organizations. Joan was married to Donald Frank Garlapo for 45 years. She was mother to Ruth Alice (late Richard) Linneborn, Elizabeth Ann (Edward Rieger) Ryan, and Alfred Louis Musser. After the children were grown, Joan and her husband, Don, became foster parents to several children. Joan enjoyed music, painting ceramics, playing with her dog, hiking, and camping with her family. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Frank Garlapo, in 1999; her brother, Kenneth Howard Nagel, in 2017; and her great-nephew, Tyler Scott D’Angelo in 2000 Joan will also be greatly missed by her sister-in-law, Kathleen Peters Nagel; niece Tristan Elaine (Late Rev. Lester) D’Angelo; and great-niece, Petrina “Trina” Elaine D’Angelo; nephew and Godson, Devin Kenneth Nagel (late DawnMarie); and great-nephews Mason Devin Nagel, and Colin Epifanio Nagel; and her grandchildren, Julie Logan and Wesley Linneborn. During her teenage years, Joan was an organist at St. Peter United Church of Christ, North Tonawanda. She always enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines’ Carousel City Chorus. She was also a soloist and member of the choirs at Salem United Church of Christ, Tonawanda, and was a soloist and choir member at First United Methodist Church, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, North Tonawanda. Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, January 23, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 453 Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda. The funeral service will begin at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Pursuant to NYS guidelines, face coverings and social distancing is required. Interment will be in Elmlawn Cemetery, Town of Tonawanda. If desired, memorials may be made in memory of Joan Garlapo to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by WATTENGEL Funeral Home. The service will be live streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wattengelfh/. Condolences may be shared at www.wattengel.com

Joan Ruth Garlapo

September 18, 1934 - January 20, 2021