Joan Ryan

(nee Pantaleone)

Age 97 of Coal City, Illinois, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at The Arc Nursing Home in Dwight, Illinois.

Born December 9, 1926 in Coal City, Joan Marietta was a daughter of James Pantaleone and Madeline (Marietta) Pantaleone-Burla. She was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1944. Joan married Harold Ryan in 1946 and together they would make their home and raise their family in Coal City.

She worked for several years at the Coal City grain elevator and was a devoted member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Coal City. Joan regularly volunteered to count offerings after Mass and took an active role in the Mother's Club, assisting the children and teachers at the catholic grade school.

She was an avid reader and took great pleasure in sitting under her favorite tree at the Coal City Area Club beach enjoying a good book. Joan was a member and past board member of the Coal City Area Club, assuming the role when her husband passed away, making her one of the first women to be on the board. She also liked crocheting and oil painting, and never missed an opportunity to stop at a garage sale.

Joan's legacy is one of devotion to her family, blessed to see her family grow into five generations, and pass on her loving and nurturing spirit to all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her six children: Kathleen (the late Jerry) Butz, Jean (Robert "Hunky") Jacovec, Patricia (the late Chet) Davito, Harold (Anita) Ryan, Michael (Theresa) Ryan, and James (Victoria) Ryan; ten grandchildren: Tony (Julie) Jacovec, Christine (Dan) Paprochi, Kate Davito, Jake (Spencer) Davito, Timothy (Jenn) Ryan, Jennifer (John) Endrst, Patrick Ryan, Nick Ryan, Sara (Nathan) Marlowe, and Ben Ryan; as well as thirteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; one sister-in-law, Juanita Pantaleone, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents: James Pantaleone and Madeline (Louis) Pantaleone-Burla; two brothers: Peter Pantaleone and James (June) Pantaleone; and two sons-in-law: Chet Davito and Jerry Butz and grandson, Michael Ryan.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street, in Coal City on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street, in Coal City on Friday at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Joshua Miller and assisted by Deacon William Dunn.

Burial will follow the funeral at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, Illinois.

Pallbearers will be: Tim Ryan, Patrick Ryan, Tony Jacovec, Ben Ryan, Jake Davito, and David Pantaleone.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Joan's memory to the Coal City Food Pantry, 6805 East McArdle Road, in Coal City or to the Arc of Dwight, 300 East Mazon Avenue, in Dwight for Senior Activities.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Joan’s memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.