Obituary of Giovanna Ghegan

Giovanna “Joann” Ghegan, a former longtime resident of Matamoras, PA died peacefully on February 13, 2025.  She was 80 years old. 

 

The daughter of the late John and Mary Casano, she was born on February 23, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY.  

 

Joann was a homemaker who went on to become a real estate agent, where she turned into a love of finding a home for all.  She put true meaning in home is where you hang your heart, a loyal and loving friend who would never let them leave  hungry.  To have known Joann was to know she was a diamond in the rough, a one of a kind who will not pass our way again.

 

In addition to her parents Joann was predeceased in life by her husband and love of her life Gaston “Lou” Ghegan Jr, her son in law Mark F. Ropke, her grandson Justin Frederick Ropke and her brother Peter Richard Casano.  

 

Beloved mother of Lisa Jensen with her husband Christopher of Rhinebeck and her son David Ghegan with his wife Marsha of Los Angeles, CA.  Cherished grandmother of Brad Louis Ropke with his wife Alana.   

 

The apple of her eye was her grandsons, nothing could keep her from smiling when Brad was around.  The pain of this world and Joann leaving us when she slipped away is eased by knowing her other grandson Justin was there to greet her.  

 

The family requests in lieu of flowers and to honor the memory of Joann donations may be made to the Mark & Justin Ropke Memorial Scholarship Fund, Port Jervis High School.  

 

Private cremation and burial services entrusted to the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home of Port Jervis, NY.  A private committal will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush.  

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