Joan (Riccio) Petersen was born on October 27, 1944 and grew up in Staten Island, New York. She attended and graduated from St. John Villa Academy. As a young woman she worked in Manhattan at Morgan Guaranty Trust, traveling to and from with her high school friends Ginny and Judy. Shortly thereafter she married her beloved husband, John ['Richie'] Petersen on September 19, 1964 and enjoyed more than 53 years of marriage, love, and friendship with him. A year later she became a mother to their son John Petersen on October 3, 1965 - a role that defined her. She was a creative homemaker, a devoted wife who was supportive of all of her husband's endeavors, and a loving mother. In her free time, she branched out on her own to coach softball and basketball for the Blessed Sacrament Leagues, and was also President of the PTA. Joan was truly family oriented; it was something she was extremely passionate about. Whether it be Super Bowl gatherings, Christmas Cookie Day, or just Sunday dinner... She could be found at the head of the table, surrounded. Joan was a long suffering NY Jets fan and loved a good March Madness Pool. Following retirement and a move to Florida, Joan enjoyed again being near her granddaughters, Marisa and Danielle. Joan was fortunate to spend 18 months with her great-grandson Jaxon. Her greatest claim - which brought a sparkle to her eye - was being known as, and called, [Great] Nana.

Joan is survived by her son John, granddaughters Marisa and Danielle, great-grandson Jaxon, and her brothers Louis ['Brother'] and John ['Fizzle']. She is predeceased by her husband John.