Joan Marie Van Cleave
May 28, 1930-April 3, 2021
Pleasanton, California

It is with great sadness we announce that Joan Van Cleave, 90, of Pleasanton, Calif., passed peacefully in her sleep on April 3, 2021. She was a daughter, sister, mother, and great grandmother who firmly rooted her life around family.

Joan was born on May 28, 1930 to Joseph Bertino and Mary Nounnan in Los Angeles, Calif. Shortly after graduating high school, she welcomed her first and only child, Denise Cathleen, into the world. After marrying Robert Ghiglione, Joan moved her new family to Dublin, Calif. in 1961.

In 1967, Joan moved to Pleasanton, Calif., where she remained for the duration of her life. She spent her life devoted to serving others, working as a waitress at local staples like The Brass Door & Sunol Country Club. In 1980, she married Thomas Van Cleave, a bartender and veteran. In her later years, she volunteered for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) helping to welcome home and feed returning vets.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Denise, and husband, Thomas. She is survived by her boyfriend, Robert; grandchildren Jason, Steven and Vincent; and great grandchildren Jonas, Michael, Cora and Kenna.