Joan E. Gentile

Joan E. Gentile passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the age of 74. Joan was born in Philadelphia to the loving parents of Joyce (Worley) and Gerald Brady in March of 1949. She grew up in Philadelphia, PA and raised her children in Washington Twp., NJ. She also enjoyed various shore homes with her husband and family, before moving to New Castle, DE.

Joan graduated from Maria Goretti High School in Philadelphia. She married her high school love, Robert Gentile, Sr., whom she met at a High School dance at the age of 14. Together as partners they navigated through life for over sixty years. They began their married life in North Carolina where Bob served in the Marines, until shortly after their son was born. During the first years of their marriage, Joan kept herself busy with various jobs on the Marine base, as well as running a pizza parlor with her husband. Joan and Bob were the definition of true love. It is rare to witness two people that were more dedicated to each other’s happiness, as well as that of their children, and two beautiful granddaughters.

Joan was an avid reader, with piles of Steven King and Danielle Steele novels piling up after quickly reading through them. Joan and Bob spent many summers vacationing with their children, family, and friends, usually exploring various camp sites to share time playing cards, listening to music, and spending time enjoying themselves and making memories. She was also busy working at the bank, and taking her children to sports, school events and dance classes. She was very dedicated to her children and proud of how they excelled in their careers, the relationships they built, and loved sharing stories about their families and pets. Joan also had fun times at the casino hitting the slots, while Bob played poker. Family meant everything to Joan – her & Bob’s parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, and then their children brought so much joy and happiness year-round.

Joan is survived by her adoring husband Bob, and predeceased by her parents Joyce and Gerald, and brother Michael. She is survived by her sisters Peggy (Duke) & Anne (Pete), as well as her baby brother David (Gloria). Joan is also survived by her children Robert, Jr. (Nancy), Michele (Billy) and two granddaughters, Alexis Kelly and Jill, as well as her loving brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws, along with the numerous nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

The family will receive family and friends for visitation on Saturday, December 9^th from 11 am to noon, followed by a celebration of life ceremony from noon until 1 pm. Both will be hosted at Chandler Funeral Home, located at 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to the American Cancer Society.