Joanne Emily Stivale (Bello) Obituary (1929 - 2022)

JOANNE EMILY STIVALE (BELLO) Joanne has evolved to a new plane on May 22, 2022. Her life was a kaleidoscope of Daughter, Wife, Mother and Paralegal. Her main purpose was to raise strong, courageous children and her family was always her priority. Early in her career she celebrated her first Earth Day in 1963 when she worked for the Montclair Art Museum and continued this interest in Environment Protection throughout her life. She was offered the opportunity to become a legal secretary by Albert Cohen, Esq. A partner of Cohen and Meshulm. She continued her legal education with Montclair State University to become a Paralegal. Used the Paralegal degree working for Margolus and Berbstein,Esqs. Obtained a Real Estate License that assisted her in a corporate position with a major English steel firm who had extensive property in the United States. Joanne was Executive Administrative Assistant and Office Manager to Executive Vice President and Legal Counsel of this Corporation. Joanne moved on to a Real Estate Venture Firm and organized and operated a Peachtree Software accounting program at the beginning of the technology revolution. The firm eventually merged with a New York Public Accounting company. She worked in New York for 10 years continuing to upgrade and maintain the accounting program for that firm and working with the CPAs in the Tax Department. After her retirement she worked as a volunteer Writers Coach for the Montclair Public School System. Joanne also taught Sunday School at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for 7th grade students. In 2010 Joanne joined the AARP West Essex Chapter 131 located then at the United Way Building writing articles for the newsletter on topics important to seniors. She worked vigorously to help build the chapter into a strong and vital organization. Joanne became Vice President in 2015 and together with the President Gail Johnson effected a relocation move to the Montclair Public Library. This move presented members with an expanded access to the library's senior programs, adult education classes and the potential for additional membership. Joanne was elected President and continued to update the members on non partisan legislative issues espoused by the AARP National Organization concerning policies on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. She attended a College of Leadership programs and many other LED and virtual zoom classes, and AARP programs relating to senior services. Attended the annual Lobby Day to connect with New Jersey State Senators to push for senior programs. Joanne was involved in many leisure activities. She was an avid reader and wrote Living Poetry depicting joys and sorrows of life. She was introduced to the political scene in her teens , by her mother and father, and continued to be a community activist throughout her life. She spent hours from childhood through adulthood immersed in reading diverse books, writing on many subjects and poetry, sewing, gardening, needlework, knitting, furniture refinishing, planning and renovating living areas. Joanne had a full and loving life with family and friends and was looking forward to many more adventures as she transitions to another dimension. Parents: Predeceased parents Lucia Antoinette Strippoli Flammia Bello and James Anthony Bello Sr. Deceased former Husband, John Dominic Stivale, Children: James Stivaly, Sr. wife Dale M. Jaeger Stivaly, Marlene Nagy, husband Kenneth Nagy, Denise Fitzgerald, deceased husband, James Fitzgerald, John Stivaly (wife) Jennifer Phipps, deceased brother, Captain James Bello deceased, Montclair Police Department, deceased brother Gerard Bello, CPA, beloved Grandchildren Christopher Nagy, deceased, James Stivaly, Jr., Brianna Stivaly and many other relatives, nieces and nephews.