Joan Guinan Lunney passed away peacefully at home in Bronxville, NY on Saturday 6/11. She was 84. Her son Alex and his wife Melissa were by her side. Joan was born September 3, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY. She was admired by all who knew her as a passionate educator, an active philanthropist, a devout Cathotic and a proud Irish American.
She received her B.A. in Child Study from St. Joseph’s University, M.S. in Elementary Education and later went on to earn her P.D. in Administration from Brooklyn College and her Ed.D. in Educational leadership from Fordham.
Joan positively impacted countless children’s lives in her 43 years in the NYC Department of Education and mentored many staff. She served as Deputy Superintendent, District 22, from 1999-2003 in Brooklyn. Prior to that, Joan was the Principal of P.S. 119 from 1985-1999 and concurrently served as Principal Mentor, Leadership Academy and member of Assistant Principals Institute. She served as Assistant Principal, P.S. 119K from 1975-1985 and a 2-6 Grades Teacher from 1965-1975.
She was a world traveler, French student, a scuba diver, tennis player, and a supporter of the arts. She supported countless charitable causes helping children and the less fortunate.
Joan was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Bob, brother Michael and sister Winifred. She will be greatly missed by her sister Miriam, brother Peter, son Alex and his wife Melissa, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at McGrath’s Funeral Home in Bronxville on Thursday 6/16 from 4-7pm and the funeral will be at St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville on Friday, 6/17 at 9:45am.
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Nicholas DiCostanzo says
June 13, 2022 at 4:41 pmBob, Alex and family,
My deepest heartfelt condolences on your irreplaceable loss.
Nick DiCostanzo Sr.
Mary, Jacqueline,Mark Buckley & all our family. Creggaslin, Castletea. Co Roscommon ireland says
June 16, 2022 at 7:55 amLove and sympathy to Alex, Melissa, your mom was a gracious lady. So happy to have met her when we were living in USA. love also to Miriam ,Peter & all the Family. We will be viewing her mass and praying for all of you. May she rest in peace with her beloved Bob
Mary Tarpinian says
November 13, 2022 at 12:49 pmMs. Guinan was my 6th grade teacher at P.S. 119….always such an elegant beautiful lady. She was my inspiration for becoming a teacher. My deepest sympathy to her family for this very sad loss. I will always be grateful for having her…
Catriona daly says
June 17, 2022 at 9:32 amMy deepest condolences to Alex and Melissa. Her sister Miriam and brother Peter.I’ll be following mass on line from Offaly Ireland.My dad Peter spoke very fondly of Joan and bob. She kept the link with Ireland alive . May she rest in peace
Catriona daly nee guinan co Offaly
Also condolences from cella guinan ( peters wife ) from leamonaghan co Offaly
Cynthia Kim says
June 20, 2022 at 5:08 pmAlex – I’m so sorry to hear this news and belatedly. We know that Mrs. Lunney was an incredible woman and joins her wonderful husband in heaven. Our deepest condolences for your loss. .
Jerry Gallagher says
September 17, 2023 at 10:27 pmI knew Ms Guinan at PS 119 in Brooklyn. She was a great Teacher, and an even better person. She was so kind, caring and would always listen to what you had to say. When I joined the Navy she made me promise to visit her in uniform and I kept that promise to her. She had tears in her eyes and said she was so proud of me. I was very saddened to hear that she passed away. May she Rest In Peace!! My deepest condolences!