Obituary of Joan Gentile-Taylor

Joan Faith Gentile Taylor

1930-2023

Joan Faith Gentile Taylor, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, died on August 4, 2023, in Livingston, New Jersey, at the age of 93.

Joan was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 5, 1930, to Nellie and Thomas Ammer. Raised in Toledo, Joan graduated from Scott High School and the University of Toledo and worked as an elementary school teacher.

Later, while living in Philadelphia, Joan met and married Vincent Gentile, then an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Joan enjoyed being part of the Marine Corps family and was active in many volunteer activities in locations around the country where Vince was stationed, including Quantico, Virginia and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Joan and Vince later settled and raised their family in Moorestown, New Jersey. Joan loved living in Moorestown and was active in many community activities and social events. Joan and Vince were married until Vince’s death in 1997.

A lifelong musician who loved to sing and perform, Joan studied at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, was a member of the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, and attended countless performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra over the years. Her favorite orchestra conductors were Claudio Abbado and Ricardo Muti.

In 2004, Joan reconnected with C. James (Jim) Taylor, a longtime friend whose grandmother Amanda Baxter was Joan’s first voice teacher and musical mentor. Joan and Jim married in 2005. Together, they traveled extensively throughout the United States and visited more than 35 countries around the world. When closer to home, Joan and Jim were regulars at the ballpark during baseball’s regular season and attended many spring training games in Florida and Arizona. They also enjoyed many evenings at the Metropolitan Opera.

Joan had diverse talents and interests. In addition to being an accomplished singer, she was an expert sewer, knitter, and quilter, avid gardener, and ambitious home cook. She could also fix a flat tire and change the oil in her Saab. She watched the Sunday political shows religiously – and preferably without interruption. She was a die-hard Philadelphia Phillies fan who once sent a dozen roses to Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt, and she loved watching Roger Federer play tennis.

Joan was fun to be around and had many admirers. She was strong, sweet, caring, and down-to-earth. She was, above all, a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by Mr. Taylor; her daughter Caroline Gentile; her son-in-law Peter Herrigel; her grandchildren Josh, Owen, and Lily Herrigel, and cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved son David Gentile; husband Vincent Gentile, to whom she was married for 43 years; and brother Thomas Ammer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Philadelphia Orchestra or the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia.