Obituary of Joan V. Bramhall

Joan V. Bramhall, nee Youngclaus, 78, died on Thursday August 7, 2014 at her home in Denville, NJ. She was born in Jersey City and grew up in the Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany, NJ. Joan married her husband John on December 17, 1960, and they spent over 53 wonderful years together. In 1980 they moved to Denville. Joan never did anything half-way. She always poured herself into any endeavor and this was especially true in local politics. Her political career began in the early 1970s as an aide to Barbara Curran and she was the manager of the Dover Office for US Congressman Dean Gallo. Throughout the late 70s to mid-80s she served as a coordinator on the Ronald Reagan and George Bush Presidential campaigns. She was a Chairman of the Morris County Republican Committee and soon after was elected a Morris County Freeholder where she served from 1993-1998, working alongside Governor Chris Christie for a portion of that time. In 2009, she was asked by then-elected Governor Christie to be part of his Transition Team. In 1999 she was elected Morris County Clerk, where she served three terms until her retirement in 2013. She was the consummate politician and many aspects of her life focused around her love for politics. Her many accomplishments are too numerous to list. Joan was well liked and everyone she met was drawn to her. She was known for being impeccably dressed at all times, and as a result of her love for fashion she enjoyed shopping at Lord and Taylor. Joan would travel to Atlantic City several times a year with her girlfriends to relax and unwind. She enjoyed dining out with her husband John, as well as with close friends, and looked forward to ice cream as dessert. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Viola Youngclaus; her daughter Debbie Herring; and her beloved companion, her dog Joe. She is survived by her children Brian and Theresa Bramhall of Diamond Point, NY, John and Melinda Bramhall Jr. of Boonton Twp. and Lori Cassela of New York; as well as nine grandchildren. Funeral Services were private, a Memorial Mass will be held for Joan and John on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 2:00pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Denville. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Ave, Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 are greatly appreciated. Please share a memory of Joan by lighting a candle.