Joanne Shastay, 63, of Chester Township, died on Saturday, September 7.

Joanne was born in Jersey City to Joanne and Vincent Conticello. She was also raised in Jersey City, graduating from St. Nicholas grammar school, and McNair Academic High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from Jersey City State College (now NJCU). She was a special education teacher for many years with the Jersey City Board of Education before retiring.

Joanne loved to garden, she grew many different vegetables and flowers. She also enjoyed sitting on the beach with a good book, and traveling with her husband. Most of all, Joanne loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays.

She is predeceased, her brother, Vincent Conticello, and her sister-in-law Patricia Brown.

Surviving is her loving husband of over 40 years, Joseph Shastay, her sons, Hunter Shastay of Chester Township, and Austin Shastay of Jersey City, her parents Vincent and Joanne Conticello, her siblings Norene Klebowicz, Annette Siniscalchi, Patricia Albanese, Lisa Hagee, Claudine Castellito, and Joseph Conticello, her sisters in law, Linda Sluka and Joann Mazzuchelli, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 15 from 1pm – 5pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, September 16 at 10am at St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, 165 Bethany Road, Holmdel. Committal services will be held privately.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Joanne’s family asks with gratitude that donations in her memory be made to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org)

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Joanne, please visit her page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com