Rockville Centre native Joan Howley dies at 70

Joan Howley

Rockville Centre native Joan Howley died on March 15 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. She was70.

Born in Rockville Centre on Jan. 11, 1952, she was the daughter of Cono and Eleanor (Krol) Simonetti. Howley graduated from East Islip High School in 1970 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Pace University in 1973. She later earned her master’s degree in social work from Adelphi University in 2006.

Howley was employed as a child welfare supervisor in foster care for Dutchess County Social Services. She was a member of Calvary Chapel, of the Hudson Valley, where she took part in Bible study. Howley also enjoyed cooking, sewing, boating on the Hudson and talking with her friends for hours. But more than anything, she loved her grandchildren.

On Nov. 16, 2003, in Hopewell Junction, Howley married James B. Howley, who predeceased her on Feb. 13, 2005. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly O’Neill; her son, Matthew O’Neill and his wife Claudia; her stepson, Christopher Howley and his wife Kristina; her stepdaughter, Pamela Foxwell; her grandchildren, Cory, Caitlyn, Kaden, Liliana, Olivia and Charlotte; her brother, John Simonetti and his wife Robin; her sister-in-law, Debbie Malanchuk; her niece, Rachel Sawtelle-Galvanez and her son Benjamin; and many cousins.

Howley’s wake and funeral  service were on March 18 at McHoul Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.