Joan Franke Cimaglia, 92, passed into our Lord’s glory at home in Johns Creek, Georgia on June 27, 2021. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 12, 1929. Joan graduated from Irvington High School in 1947, holding several leadership positions including President of Student Government and Secretary of the Girl Reserves. “Franke“ received her nickname when she attended Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where she met John Cimaglia. They were married on February 11, 1950. Fiercely loyal and hugely generous, her three children thrived through her dedication. An avid tennis player, Franke was a fearless competitor and persistent encourager who never met a stranger. She used her grit and perseverance to help many people, especially her family.

John Cimaglia joined his beloved Franke in Heaven on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023 —just 25 days short of his 98th birthday. Born in Madison, New Jersey on June 23, 1925, he was the ninth of thirteen children. John played basketball and other sports at Madison High School and Drew University. Since the age of 8, golf developed into a passionate hobby, and he won the Club Championship at Raritan Valley Country Club. He even took on the responsibility as the high school orchestra conductor when they lost their teacher. This display of leadership was a foreshadowing of the man John would become. John then joined the Navy at 18 years old to help fight in World War II. He was selected for the V–12 accelerated officer development program, commissioned as an Ensign, and was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant JG in 1946. In 2017, he was interviewed by “Witness to War” which preserves oral historical accounts. Later, besides chairing local charity drives in his community, John served for 5 years on the Board for Lekotek, which serves children with disabilities.

Through hard work, John and Franke embodied the American dream, making a better life for their family. Their love and support of 71 years in marriage left a legacy that has impacted their children, sons and daughter in-law, and two granddaughters. They are preceded in death by son-in-law, Dr. Lewis Trusheim, and parents, Carmela DeAngelis Cimaglia and Savino Cimaglia; Anne Palmer Franke and Walter Franke. They are survived by children, Pamela Cimaglia Trusheim, Stephanie Cimaglia Moder (Christopher Moder), John Cimaglia Jr. (Giovanna Cimaglia) and grandchildren, Dr. Kelly Trusheim (Ryan Donihue) and Allison Palmer Moder.