Obituary of Joan A. Vorbach

Obituary of Joan Vorbach Joan passed away peacefully on December 8, 2020, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at the age of 90 due to complications from Covid 19. Joan was born on July 8, 1930, the oldest daughter of John and Gertrude Ryan. She grew up in Laurelton, Queens and attended St. Agnes High School in Rockville Centre, NY followed by Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. In 1948, Joan met her future husband Lawrence John Vorbach, Jr. (Jack) at a dance where Jack played the trumpet in the band. Five years later, Joan married Jack and had five children. They raised their children in Bethpage where they established strong and lasting friendships with their neighbors and church congregation at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Bethpage. Often Joan would be seen on the dance floor at church dances, parties, and weddings dancing with her family and friends. Joan returned to work in 1975 and worked as a secretary for the Plainedge School District. After 10 years, Joan left that position to pursue her life-long dream of going to college. She attended Molloy College in 1985 and graduated with a degree in Gerontology, finishing first in her major. For the next 12 years Joan worked for Children and Family Services of Nassau County. After retiring from Family Services at the age of 70, Joan moved to a senior development in Woodbury. Upon retiring, Joan got to travel the world with family and friends, visiting countries like New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the Dominican Republic. Joan was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack, eldest son, Larry, and daughter-in-law, Linda. She is survived by her sister, Nancy and brother, John. Along with her siblings, Joan is survived by her loving children: Jim, Jerry, Greg (Nancy), and Mary (Rich). She is also survived by her 8 wonderful grandchildren: Reid, Bryce, Bryan, Ian, Danielle, Matt, Ally, and Joey, along with many nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, Joan was deeply involved in St. Martin of Tours Church in Bethpage and Holy Name of Jesus in Woodbury in later years. Her strong Catholic faith was the foundation that she built her family and her friendships on. Joan was a warm and giving woman who would go out of her way to help others in need. No matter how bad a situation was, Joan always had a positive outlook and looked on the bright side. She was always so appreciative of others and would never forget to say ‘thank you’ for any kind deed that someone did for her. Joan was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. Many who knew her best, described her as a “saint” and “the holiest person they have ever known!” A private funeral and burial will be held for Joan. Donations in Joan’s name can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association. A celebration of Joan’s life will be held for all of her family and friends at a later date in 2021.