Joan F. Vota, 73, of Union Beach passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, March 11, 2016 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born and raised in the Bronx, Joan moved to Union Beach in 1998. She began her secretarial career working for Western Electric, Manhattan. In 1978, she resumed work with AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel, ultimately retiring from Lucent in 2007. “Nana” enjoyed spending time in her garden and with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Diane Vota in 2005; her parents, Michael and Margaret Farrelly; and brother, Kenny Farrelly. Joan is survived by her sons, Michael Vota and his wife, Carrie of Freehold and Joseph Vota and his wife, Vivi of South Plainfield; grandchildren, Andrew, Kenny, Catherine an John Vota; her sister, Sheila Flaherty of Long Beach, LI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 9:00 AM for procession to her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, Joan’s children request donations be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.