Joan Caraccio

Joan (Warwicker) Caraccio, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 22, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family and in the arms of her youngest child, Kerry. 
 

Born on November 28, 1935, in London, England, Joan grew up during WWII. She survived two London bombings, before being evacuated to Hornchurch Children’s Homes, where she waited out the rest of the war with London’s most vulnerable residents, it’s children. The daughter of Lucy Damon, Joan faced the loss of her family and was orphaned after WWII. Her birth family included her twin and younger brother, Lesley.

Joan was adopted by her aunt, Gertrude Damon and WWII decorated combat pilot, John Waricker.

Throughout her extraordinary 90-year journey, Joan confronted numerous life challenges, most notably battling two formidable cancers. Remarkably, she triumphed over ovarian cancer in 1972, demonstrating her resilience, strength and courage.

Joan was a hard worker who trained to be a nanny in London, at the age of 15. She worked as a waitress at Leone’s and The Villa Restaurants in Salem, NH, and Thompson’s Restaurant, N. Andover, MA.

Joan came to the United States after meeting Anthony J. Caraccio, a US AIR Force veteran, stationed in London during the Korean War. Joan and Tony shared a loving 62-year marriage. 

Joan had an extraordinary gift for nurturing deep, lasting relationships. Among her survivors is Shirley D’Angelo. Joan and Shirley’s 70 + years of friendship was a great comfort to both of them. We are thankful for her continued love. 

Joan was an extraordinarily loving and supportive mother., who was adored by all of her children. She taught us resilience, ushering her children through our greatest joys and toughest losses.

Joan is survived by six children, Colleen and her wife, Cheryl, Stephen and his wife, Diane, Cathleen and her husband, Michael Messina, David Caraccio, Kelly and her husband, Scott Warren, and Kerry Caraccio. Joan was predeceased by beloved sons, Robert and Darren Caraccio.  She also leaves her grandchildren Robert, Jr., Jennifer and Paul Michaud, Stephanie Caraccio, Mckenzie and Braeden Warren and eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving grandson Luke Thomas Caraccio.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday March 2, 2026 from 9 am to 11 am at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway Methuen. Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 11:00 am on Monday at the funeral home. To leave an online condolence, please visit Joan’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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