Obituary of JoAnn Eleanor DeKatch-Smith

JoAnn Eleanor DeKatch-Smith passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the age of 76 years old. Born on July 5, 1946, to John and Anne Melchiorre, JoAnn lived most of her life in southern NJ, before relocating to Florida in 2016. She was well-loved by her students, as she spent over 30 years as a school educator and superintendent. She loved her family, music, dancing, reading, Broadway shows, and being close to the ocean. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anne (Saracino) Melchiorre, and a son, Michael. She is survived by her husband, Bob Smith; her children, Debbie Brown (LC), Stephen DeKatch (Angie), and Kelli Grovola (Peter); her brother, John “Jack” Melchiorre (Kathy); her grandchildren, Elianna Brown, Elissa Brown, Caleb Brown, and Devin Coia; her great-grandchild, Logan Bernat; and her niece, Caroline “Carrie-Ann” Melchiorre.