Joan Rita Balanesi

Joan Rita Balanesi was born September 3, 1942, as the older fraternal twin sister of Joyce Balanesi. Joan is preceded in death by her parents Alex John Balanesi and Lily Rose Balanesi, as well as her sisters: Sandra Darlene Balanesi Larson (Charles) and Joyce Ines Balanesi. Joan is survived by her nephews: Charlie Larson (Michael Giluso) and Alex Larson, as well as her beloved companion dog, Terminator.

Joan was born in Gilroy at the old Wheeler Hospital. Joan attended Gilroy public schools through high school then professional business school in San Jose. Joan began as a bookkeeper right out of school, worked for several auto dealerships and concluded her work as business manager for Bob Lynch Ford. Joan retired and helped Alex and Charlie at their restaurant Sandrino's for 10 years. During this time, she was asked to go back and help out at Bob Lynch Ford and Excel AutoBody. Jon and Zondra Rapazzini asked Joan to come help with their bookkeeping where she stayed on as business manager when Charlie and Alex bought Rapazzini Winery and the Garlic Shoppe. Joan worked until June of 2025.

A Memorial service will be held at 6 PM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Habing Family Funeral Home. Immediately following there will be a reception at the Old City Hall Restaurant in Gilroy at approximately 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's name to Santa Clara County Animal Shelter 12370 Murphy Ave. San Martin CA 95046.

Online condolences at: www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · August 5, 2025