Obituary of JoAnn Auricchio

JoAnn Auricchio – In Loving Memory 
July 21, 1936 – September 6, 2025 
JoAnn Auricchio, affectionately known as Grandma J, passed away peacefully on September 6, 
2025, at NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola, New York, surrounded by her family, following 
complications from a tragic fall. 
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alfred, her formidable mother Florence, and 
her esteemed brothers John and Herb Netsch. She is survived by her loving daughter Debbie, her 
steadfast son Robert and her devoted daughter-in-law Mari, her treasured grandchildren 
Maximillian, Alessandra, and Samantha, and the family’s cherished dog, Cannoli. 
Born on Riverside Drive in Manhattan, JoAnn attended boarding school in New York City 
before starting her career as a dental assistant. It was there she met her husband, affectionately 
known as Freddie. They quickly married and began raising their family in the Bronx. They later 
moved to Howard Beach, where she raised their two children. JoAnn had a deep love for fashion, 
board games, ballroom dancing, reality TV competitions, and spending time with her extended 
family and friends. After her husband’s passing, she relocated to Garden City to be near her son 
and daughter-in-law, where she spent the past 30 years. 
In Garden City, JoAnn became a familiar and beloved figure, often seen with her iconic 
shopping cart filled with knitting supplies, handmade scarves, and a box of dog treats to share 
with the dogs she encountered, reflecting her deep love for animals. She generously gifted her 
creations to family, friends, shopkeepers, fellow parishioners, and even strangers who offered 
prayers or kindness. She touched countless lives, and her scarves became tokens of her 
thoughtfulness and warmth, treasured by all who received them. This generosity earned her the 
endearing nickname “Grandma Snowflake.” 
A woman of deep faith, JoAnn was a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Garden City. 
Beyond faithfully attending Mass and participating in various charity events, she shared her 
spirituality daily by sending prayers and leaving heartfelt voicemails for her loved ones. She 
prayed not only for family and friends, but also for anyone in need of comfort or strength. 
JoAnn will be fondly remembered as a caring, joyful, and fun-loving mother, grandmother, aunt, 
and friend. She had a gift for making people laugh, lifting spirits, and brightening any room she 
entered. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith, her love for family, and her ability to 
bring positivity and joy to all those around her—whether through a smile on 7th Street, a scarf 
lovingly knit, or a prayer whispered on someone’s behalf. 
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her. 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Pink Agenda (thepinkagenda.org), a proud 
partner of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), in memory of JoAnn Auricchio.  

Please Note:

In Lieu of Floral Donations, The Auricchio Family wishes donations to The Pink Agenda Annual NYC Gala in memory of JoAnn Auricchio. Donations can be made by visiting:

The Pink Agenda's Annual New York Gala | Make a Donation | Powered by Givergy

**If flowers are to be delivered, please abstain from including lillies - some family members are highly allergic**