Obituary of Joan Ann Verrando

Joan Ann Verrando, 83, passed on May 31, 2018 in Ocala, Fl. Joan grew-up outside of New York City and spent her childhood in a ballet studio. Joan was one of the youngest dancers to be selected as a Rockette for the Radio City Music Hall. Joan was also a June Taylor Dancer for the Jackie Gleason Show in Glen Cove, NY. In 1961, the family moved to Cortland, NY where she volunteered for many charities and the local Homer Thespian Society. It was there that she discovered her love for horses, and taught herself how to ride and showed hunters until she passed that passion to her daughters. In 1979, the Verrando’s moved to Ocala, Fl. Joan again was a driving force behind the betterment of the Ocala Civic Theater with her choreography and was instrumental in building the new theater in Ocala. Joan continued her love for horses and animals with a small farm, where she taught countless kids to ride and how to properly care for the horses. Her dedication, incredible work ethic and many talents will be missed and cherished forever. 

For those who have been touched by Joan Verrando, there will be a service at the Ocala Civic Theater on Saturday, June 23rd, from 2:00pm - 4:00pm to celebrate Joan’s inspirational life and her contributions to everyone she touched.