Joan Heinzmann

Joan Heinzmann, 92, lately of Jamison PA, died peacefully on Monday, November 4th, 2024. Born in West New York, NJ, she lived in Washington Township (Bergen County) for 31 years before moving to Toms River, Warrington, and finally Jamison.

Joan was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Stephen Heinzmann in 2009. She is survived by two daughters, Stephanie and husband Robin Osborne of Florida, Joanne Heinzmann of Doylestown, PA, and two sons, Gregg Heinzmann of Hilton Head, SC, and Glenn Heinzmann and wife Heather, of Pipersville, PA. Joan is also survived by 10 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Marion Rappa.

When Joan Heinzmann moved to Pennsylvania from her native New Jersey in 2010, everyone who heard her speak asked if she was from New York. Joan was amazed that her new neighbors couldn’t identify her as a proud Jersey girl! 

Joan and her accent were born in West New York, NJ, in 1932 to Michael and Mildred Greco, he a first-generation Italian immigrant and she, of German descent. Michael was the fifth of five sons and a daughter, born to a family that was rumored to have descended from an Italian Count. Michael was a mechanic and Mildred was the owner of her own sewing and applique business. Joan had a sister, Marion, who was older by 11 months. They lived a pleasant childhood and only spent a few hours in jail one evening after Marion pulled the fire alarm as a prank.

Upright living followed, as did high school graduation and a secretarial job in New York City. Taking the ferry to the 42nd Street pier and walking the few blocks to Hell’s Kitchen, Joan met the nicest people at her job at Jabez Burns, a renowned manufacturer of coffee roasters.

Throughout her life, Joan stayed close to a group of six high school friends whom others called the Magnificent Seven. The “girls” shopped along Hudson Boulevard, took the bus to Palisades Amusement Park, and vacationed at Point Pleasant Beach, in New Jersey.

In 1953, Joan reconnected with Stephen Heinzmann, a high school acquaintance two years her senior after his stint in the Marine Corps. Steve was a great dancer and he discovered that Joan was terrific too! The lindy, the foxtrot, the rumba, and the waltz; when these two got together, they danced every chance they could.

In fact, dancing could be the metaphor that described their lives together. Take a step here, a misstep there, try again, lean on each other, hold hands, embrace, trust your partner, twirl around, and laugh. And for 54 years, they partnered in life. Joan and Steve traveled to Europe and Hawaii, rode scooters in Bermuda, visited family, and attended concerts and formals. Joan especially enjoyed playing games, cards, and Mahjong. Joan and Steve also hosted and attended regular house parties with their dear friends the Baecker’s, the Gurskey’s, and the Franchino’s.

In the 1970’s, as her children grew more self-sufficient, Joan reentered the work force. She became a men’s clothing buyer for Grand Way and later ran her own business selling clothing from a reserved booth at a popular New York flea market. Joan was the proud grandmother of a teacher, a chiropractor, a nurse, a physician’s assistant, computer engineers, an artist, a veterinarian, a manager for an Inn, and a real estate professional.

Joan’s greatest joy was her family who will miss her very much. They will gather together soon, to remember her at a private service.