JoAnn A. Niebel

She was born in Dunkirk on March 8, 1945, the sixth child of the late Joseph and Josephine (Crise) Pietro.

She was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1962, then went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY Fredonia and her Masters Degree in Social Work from SUNY Buffalo. While growing up and into early adulthood, JoAnn worked and was part owner of the former Quality Inn Vineyard in Dunkirk, as well as a Manager of the Vineyard Country Club in Westfield. After she returned to school and received her college degrees, she found her passion helping the mentally disadvantaged. As a Certified Social Worker, she worked for the New York Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (NYOPWDD) for over thirty years and was instrumental in securing housing, services and placements for individuals in need. JoAnn and her husband of forty-three years are owners and agents of Niebel Realty in Sheridan.

She was a devoted member of her community and was always willing to offer a helping hand. JoAnn was a former member of the Sheridan Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and a member of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, where she held many leadership positions. She was also SUNY Fredonia’s Council President for over ten years and an adjunct professor, teaching classes on Social Work. As College Council President, she advocated for fiscal responsibility and a sincere focus on students. Even after leaving the College Council, JoAnn continued to speak and write on issues affecting the college. Above everything else, JoAnn’s greatest joy in life was her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.

Surviving besides her husband are three children; Stacy Weber, Justin (Erin Howe) Niebel, Lesley (Justin Lee) Niebel, and a brother James (Barbara) Pietro. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Jackson, Aubrey and Benjamin Niebel, Trea and Damian Lee along with several nieces and nephews, great nieces & nephews, family members and friends. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her mother-in-law Beverly Niebel, three sisters; Rose Pietro, Antonette Snyder, Barbara Riolo and two brothers; Anthony and Louis Pietro.

Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and on Thursday morning from 9-11 AM. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the Sheridan United Methodist Church, 2679 Main Road, Sheridan, NY with Rev. David Watson, pastor officiating. There will be a reception following at 2 o’clock at the Sheridan VFW, 2556 Main Road, Silver Creek. Private Interment will be Sheridan Center Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials may be made either to Sheridan Fire Department, PO Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135 or to the Sheridan VFW Memorial Post 6390, 2556 Main Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136.

To post condolences or memories go to www. rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.