Joan Giacalone LeLand, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully June 2, 2025. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1947, in the heart of Brooklyn, Joan’s life was a testament to the power of love.
Joan was the beloved wife of the late Emile LeLand Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of beautiful memories. She was a devoted mother to her children, Anthony LeLand (Andrea), Michael LeLand (Desiree), Nicole Marra (Chris) and Richard Campo (Margaret). Joan’s role as a grandmother to Alexandra, Noelle, A.J., Mia Rose, Michael, John, Brielle, Danielle and Christopher was one of her greatest blessings.
It was impossible to miss the way she adored animals. Over the years, her faithful companions, Natasha, Tiffany and Riley were never far from her side. They were the most well-taken-care-of dogs on the block.
Joan adored the beach and could spend hours watching her beloved Emile fish. Pier Village in Long Branch was one of her favorite places to live and together they enjoyed the sun, the sand and strolling the boardwalk together.
Friends and family will remember Joan as the first to come and the first to leave, but always someone who brought laughter to the table. As the family says goodbye, they are grateful to know that she is finally at peace with Emile, as she has missed him every single day since his passing.
A funeral Mass was held June 11 at the Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s name to CareOne at 1040 Route 36, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716, as a way to honor the nurses who provided her with such compassionate care.
The article originally appeared in the June 12 – 18, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
