Joan (Ryan) Torkeo

Joan Torkeo, 92, formerly of Lower Burrell, passed peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Brookville, PA.  She was born July 31, 1933, in Tarentum to the late Raymond “Bill” W. Ryan and Helen (Schmidt) Ryan.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Torkeo, Jr., in 2010; two brothers, William E. Ryan and Raymond Michael Ryan; and two sisters, Dorothy May Johnson and Beverly Jane Kudla.

She is survived by her loving children, Linda Gelorme of Lancaster, Dr. Gary Michael Torkeo and his wife, Nancy, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Jacqueline (Brenda Stelika) Torkeo of Brookville. Joan was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jeramiah (Kim) Cieszynski, Joshua (Julia Danahey) Cieszynski, Lindsay Gelorme, Sarah (Seth) Lengacher, and Jacob (Jill) Torkeo. She is also survived by five cherished great-grandchildren, Vivienne, Jude, and Delilah Lengacher, and Scarlett and Cecilia Torkeo.

Joan was a longtime member of St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church of Lower Burrell.  She found great joy in playing cards, traveling, reading, walking, hosting holiday dinners, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

She dedicated over 30 years of service to JCPenney, where she was recognized for her exceptional talent and selected as the “Best Voice” in a telemarketing competition. This achievement led to her voice being recorded and used nationally across JCPenney call centers.

Friends will be received Wednesday, April 8, from 3 to 6 PM at the Giunta-Bertucci Funeral Home, Inc., 1509 5th Avenue, Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci, Owner/Supervisor. Prayers of transfer will be held Thursday, April 9, at 9:15 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, Lower Burrell. Interment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Park.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.giunta-bertucci.com.

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