Joann Adrian Zimmerman Miracco

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joann Adrian Zimmerman Miracco, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and lifelong learner. She passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Carlsbad, California, just shy of her 94th birthday, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, wisdom, and an unwavering passion for education and history.

Joann was born on April 27, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, the only child of Albert and Elizabeth Zimmerman. She grew up in the Bronx along the Grand Concourse, where she developed a deep appreciation for English and History, inspiring a career in teaching.

She pursued her passion for education at Hunter College, earning her teaching degree before furthering her studies at Columbia University, where she obtained her Master’s degree. Joann dedicated over 45 years to shaping the lives of countless students as an elementary school teacher at Gayhead Elementary and in the NY public school system. She had an incredible gift for making learning come alive, especially through her love of Colonial history. She spearheaded "Colonial Days" at her schools, creating immersive experiences that transported students back in time, instilling in them a love for history and storytelling.

On January 6, 1962, Joann married the love of her life, William R. Miracco of Poughkeepsie, in a beautiful Sacred Heart ceremony at St. Simon Stock Church in the Bronx. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and deep-rooted family values. Their marriage, which spanned an incredible 54 years, was a testament to their unwavering devotion to one another. They raised three sons—William Jr. (and his wife Junko), Theodore (and his wife Kelly), and Luke (and his wife Maria)—instilling in them the importance of education, curiosity, and the strength of family bonds.

Joann was a beloved grandmother to five grandchildren: Anthony, Marc, Sofia, Michela, and Julianna. She took great joy in watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and sharing with them her love for history, travel, and learning. She treasured family gatherings, especially Sunday dinners with her immediate family and adopted Carlsbad friends, where she would tell stories of the past, ensuring that the traditions and memories were carried forward.

Outside of teaching, Joann found great happiness in her pets, primarily her Siamese cats and dogs. She also enjoyed the great outdoors, including horseback riding and time spent at the Eastover vacation resort, where she met the love of her life, Bill.

She and Bill shared a mutual love for travel, embarking on countless journeys together. In their later years, they participated in Elderhostel programs, combining their passion for adventure with their lifelong commitment to learning. Whether exploring new cities, engaging in historical discussions, or simply enjoying the beauty of the world around them, they made the most of every moment together. In retirement, Joann was proudly the town historian for Union Vale, a role that perfectly aligned with her deep knowledge and fondness for American history.

Joann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, who was not only her partner in life but also her greatest friend and companion. Though she is no longer with us, the love and wisdom she imparted will live on in the lives she touched.

Her family invites all who knew and loved Joann to join them in celebrating her extraordinary life at a service to be held on Tuesday, April 15th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Carlsbad, CA. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to ASPCA.

Joann Miracco lived a life filled with purpose, compassion, and a relentless curiosity for the world around her. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.