Joan K. (Sheard) Gargano, 84, wife of 64 years to Joseph C. Gargano of Hamden, passed away at her home on December 21, 2020. Born in New Haven July 9, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Louise (Camputaro) Sheard. Beloved mother of Kathy (Ronald) Bodle of Guilford, Edward (Maria) Gargano of North Haven, Mark (Leslie) Gargano of Brandon, Florida, and James (Jena) Gargano of Hamden. Grandmother of David (Chi), Edward  Jr., Joseph, Matthew, Natalie, Jazzmine, and Jesse Gargano. She also leaves her cherished dog, Buddy, and many nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her two brothers, Robert R. Sheard and Thomas "Rabbit" Sheard.

A resident of Hamden for most of her life, Joan was a gifted ceramics artist and ran her own studio, Joan-Kathryn Ceramics. She later worked as a nurse for Dr. Enrico Khu's office. Joan loved and was so very proud of her grandchildren; they were her pride and joy. She passed away during her favorite holiday season, Christmas, which she always made special for her family and friends. She truly loved helping those in need and would easily give you the shirt off her back.

Friends may visit with her family Thursday, December 24 ^th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, and are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Whitney Ave., Hamden. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org .