Joan E. (Cassella) Roketenetz

Joan E. Roketenetz (Cassella), age 74, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024.

Joan was born on April 13, 1949, in Arlington, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late Salvator and Pauline (Luongo) Cassella.  Joan was raised and educated in Lexington and was a graduate of Lexington High School with the class of 1967.

Joan met the “love of her life” Andrew Roketenetz; the couple were soon inseparable, and they married in 1968.  Joan and Andrew moved to Wilmington in 1969 where they made their forever home and raised two wonderful children Andrew Jr. and Lisa.  Joan was very devoted to her family; she showered them with unconditional love and support and always encouraged them to do their best. 

When Joan became a “Grammy” to her three beautiful grandchildren Madison, Emily, and Dylan, her world became even brighter, and she just adored those kids. Joan treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren; she looked forward to their many trips to Santa’s Village and Disney World where everyone had a great time, and countless memories were made.  Joan loved cooking up a storm for Sunday family dinners and she always made every holiday magical and special for her family.

Joan loved her home; she was an impeccable housekeeper, and she was always out and about in her yard.  Joan’s lawn was better than a golf course and she created beautiful gardens throughout her yard.  Joan’s door was always open to family and friends; she always made everyone feel welcomed and loved.

In her spare time, Joan enjoyed going to classic car shows with her husband Andrew, taking trips to Foxwoods and hitting the casinos just to “try their luck”. 

Joan will be fondly remembered as a beautiful lady inside and out; she had a heart of gold and loved her family with all her heart.  Joan will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Andrew P. Roketenetz, devoted mother of Andrew P. Roketenetz, Jr. and his fiancé Jean Sargent and Lisa Grace and her husband John all of Wilmington.  Loving “Grammy” of Madison, Emily, and Dylan Grace, dear daughter of the late Salvator and Pauline (Luongo) Cassella.  Joan was also special to Jean’s daughter Leah of Wilmington, and she is further survived by her cherished dog Abby.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, April 12th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.  A Service to Celebrate Joan’s life will take place at the Funeral Home on Saturday, April 13th at 11:00 a.m. followed by her interment in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA  01830.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com