Joan Zagami

Joan Zagami, age 81, passed away on August 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born November 12, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. She lived on Staten Island for 59 years with her husband, Nick. She was a loving mother to her two daughters, Maria and Christine, and her sons-in-law Anthony and Alan. She was a caring grandmother to Kristina, Julia, Anthony, and Giana. She adored her nieces and nephews Russell, Alan, Lorraine, Jeff, Julian, and Olivia.

Joan worked in the insurance industry in Lower Manhattan for many years, but the most important job to her was being a mother. Her two daughters were her pride and joy. The happiest moments of her life were the ones she spent with her family. She always made holidays special, especially with her most cherished recipes. Her family’s favorites were her world-famous spinach bread and stuffed calamari.

Joan was the life and soul of every party. She loved hosting family and friends at their beach house on the Jersey Shore. She had life-long passions for tennis and fashion. Among her family, she was known as the “fancy grandma.” In her later years, she enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends.

Joan was a caretaker to her family throughout her life. She cared for her mother, Ethel, until she was 98 years old. She was a loving presence and poured her whole heart into looking after her grandchildren. She was also a dog lover. She rescued three stray dogs over the years and enjoyed taking care of the family pets, Sam and Cooper.

Joan will be remembered as a beautiful, strong, fun-loving person. She has touched so many lives and will be sincerely missed by all.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.