The Life of Joan Kathryn Gaul

At age 92 on April 11, 2023. Born on November 15, 1930 in Staten Island, New York, to Renato Boffa and Kathryn (Sullivan), both deceased. Beloved wife for 59 years of Stuart Gaul, who preceded her in death by 72 days. Mother to Stuart (Ann) and Christopher (Karen), and grandmother to Ellen, Ryan, Elizabeth, and Joanna. Sister to Robert (Michelle, deceased) Boffa, and aunt to Jeffrey (Michele Campbell) Boffa and Lynn Fiellin (David). Joan graduated from Tottenville High School in Staten Island and from Cornell University, for which she served as the Secretary of the Class of 1952 for many years. Following college, she worked in New York City and Washington, DC for several years, ending as the assistant to the vice president for government affairs of the American Broadcasting Company. Although she remained a proud New Yorker, she and Stuart moved to Pittsburgh in 1965, started their family, and never left. Joan was a Ruling Elder of the Sixth Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. She was active in the Pittsburgh chapter of the League of Women Voters and in the Cornell Club of Pittsburgh, and she volunteered in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. She received a Master's Degree in Communications from Duquesne University in 1985 and soon started her own firm, Joan Gaul Communications. She wrote a book about Heinz Chapel and taught courses on the history of stained glass in Pittsburgh. She contributed to the Pittsburgh Press (deceased), the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Pittsburgh Magazine. She was an avid gardener, a devoted traveler, a lover of theatre and symphony, good food, and good friends. A memorial service will be held at a future date. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, Joan would have wanted you to make a donation to something you believe in. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.