Joan Florence Barone

Bio

Joan Florence Barone was born in Utica, New York, in 1932, the daughter of Theresa and Michael Barone. Michael was a laborer with the Work Projects Administration (WPA). She had one younger sister (Janice). She was close to her sister and spent time with her later in life in Laughlin, Nevada.

Joan graduated from Proctor High School in 1950 and attended Sargent College at Boston University where she received a B.S. degree in Physical Education in 1955. She then went to graduate school at Springfield College in Massachusetts where she earned her M.S. degree in 1959.

She was appointed Assistant Professor of Physical Education at San Diego State in 1960. She taught a variety of courses in the Women’s Physical Education Department until the Men and Women programs were united in 1974. She later was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor. She taught for over 30 years before retiring in 1992. Her mother died in 1993, but her father lived to age 97, passing away in 2006.

She retired first in San Diego but then moved to Arizona and Nevada. Joan passed away in 2010 in Kingman, Arizona. She was buried in Show Low, Navajo, Arizona where her two parents are buried.

A member of her family wrote a beautiful tribute to her memory after Joan’s death. It is cited below. The writer shares personal thoughts about Joan’s many positive personal and professional qualities and gives much more detail about her life.

Obituary July 30, 1932 – November 12, 2010

Many things can be said about Joan F Barone. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warm-hearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Joan was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She had a focus on harmony and peace.

Joan was born on July 30, 1932. She was born at home in Utica, New York. Her parents were Michael and Theresa Barone. Joan was raised in Utica. When she was young, Joan’s friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Joan demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Joan grew up with one sibling, a younger sister. Joan was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Joan carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Joan was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Joan was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Joan could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in swimming, tennis, and basketball. In her spare time, she liked reading. Joan’s memorable achievements included Exceptional Student. However, to Joan, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Joan had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Proctor High School on June 1, 1950. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Joan had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Joan was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Joan as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Ms. Frye. She participated in every sport.

Joan did well in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Boston University Sargent College about 1955. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Masters of Science from Springfield College in Massachusetts 1959. Her favorite courses were all in Physical Education. The skill of being a good communicator helped Joan immensely during her college days. She was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced her to think. No matter what class it was, Joan was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.

Always considered a “good” friend, Joan sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason, Joan always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Joan’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Joan would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Joan was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life, she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Mary Tinelli. Later in life, she became friends with Linda Wolcott, Corley, Sam and Mary.

Joan experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was her main occupation was Teacher. She was employed as a Physical Ed Teacher for the San Diego State University. Joan always made an effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Joan took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and always seemed to find out what was necessary to complete a project. Joan was one to take the initiative, and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Joan continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their potential.

Joan derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Joan delighted in the strategy and inner workings of competition. In high school, Joan played Swimming, Tennis, and Basketball. In her college years, Joan continued to stay active by Swimming and Tennis. Recreational sports included Tennis and Basketball. Joan was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams’ events whenever she got the opportunity.

Joan was well known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed her as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her values. Serving on committees as a Volunteer for American Red Cross for many years.

Joan’s faith was important to her. She always an active member of her Church. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

Joan enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Joan were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Joan went to Hawaii with friends, along with local tours around San Diego.

Joan was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Joan’s favorite has Joan had a cat in College. Her family was rounded out by her Mutt named Ripples as a child.

When Joan’s retirement finally came in Around 1995, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Joan had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Joan knew exactly what she wanted to do. Joan retired in San Diego until she relocated to Arizona and the Nevada. In retirement, she found new pleasure in her gym membership. Even in retirement, Joan continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Joan passed away on November 12, 2010, at Kingman, Arizona. She is survived by her sister Janice, niece Karen, niece Rene’, great-nephews, Jared, Carson and great-nieces, Jessica, Elise, and Katie. Services were held at St John the Baptist in Laughlin, Nevada. Joan will be buried in Showlow, Arizona.

Throughout her life, Joan was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Joan leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Joan F Barone.

Arrangements were handled by Dimond & Sons Silver Bell Chapel, Bullhead City, AZ.buried in Showlow, Arizona.

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