Joyce M. (Tahan) Zappulla

Joyce M. Zappulla (née Tahan), 78, of Riverdale, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

Born and raised in Paterson, Joyce lived in Wayne for many years before settling in Riverdale. She earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Seton Hall University and dedicated her career to serving as a School Psychologist in the Paterson school system until her retirement.

Joyce had a deep love for travel and cherished the many adventures she shared with her friends, visiting destinations such as Egypt, Turkey, and countries throughout Europe. She was a devoted and active member of The Chapel in Lincoln Park, where her faith played a central role in her life.

She was predeceased by her beloved parents, George and Emily (née Hallock) Tahan, as well as her brothers Ken and George Tahan.

Joyce is survived by her loving daughter, Carey Graves; her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Koehnen and Allana Graves; and her brother, Basil Tahan. She also leaves behind her nephews Thomas Kilpatrick, Matthew, Michael, and Basil Jr. Tahan; her nieces Beverly Ann Ciccarelli, Elizabeth, and Kristen Tahan; and many other beloved members of her extended family.

Private cremation arrangements were handled by Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton. Memorial ceremony will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:30 am at The Chapel: Sunset Ministry Center, 150 Sunset Road, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. A brunch to follow at the Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522. Contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org), P.O. Box 7410354, Chicago, IL 60674-0354. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave online condolences to Joyce’s family on the Tribute Wall of her obituary page.

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