Joan M. Harlick's Obituary
Joan M. Harlick, age 94, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. This Valentine Baby, was born on February 14th, 1931, in Fairmont, West Virgina to the late Emilio and Lucy Colosimo.
Joan was Preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Rudolph Duke Harlick.
She is survived by her daughter April Kostopoulos, her stepdaughter’s Kathryn Smeltzer and Victoria Zupko, and her son in laws George Kostopoulos and Richard Smeltzer.
Proud grandmother to Gianna Kostopoulos, Jackie Smeltzer Amodeo, Jenny McFarren, and Ashley Hanna; Great Grandmother to Lola Armani Rowland, Dakota Rowland, Tyler and Nicholas Mcfarren, Lyla and Bella Hanna; loving Aunt to eight nieces and nephews who she adored and cherished as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
One of six children, Joan would speak often of the special bond she had with her brothers and sisters and the wonderful Italian feasts and traditions they would share.
Joan was a wonderful cook who shared all her special Italian family recipes with her children, grandchildren and friends. One of the highlights of her life was meeting her idol and cooking mentor, Julia Childs, when her daughter took her to Venice for a two-week cooking extravaganza taught by Julia herself. This trip and its experiences would prove to be the “trip of a lifetime” for both participants.
After years of being a dedicated and involved mom, Joan found herself searching for a career and in 1970 she began working at a new bank in St. Louis. This job started what would become a 25-year career in the field which she came to love. When anyone would retire, Joan became responsible for creating an entire musical and entertainment retirement show which allowed her to showcase her creativity and love of acting.
She also had a love of music and dancing her entire life and joined the Melodeers Sweet Adelines International a cappella barbershop harmony chorus when she was 60 years old where she toured and was part of winning several first-place competitions. Joan was also known for singing her special rendition of “Happy Birthday” to her friends and family. Many have said that their day was not complete without her birthday song. We will all now greatly miss Joan and this tradition. Rest in peace dear servant.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 12:00 PM -2:00PM with a chapel service to immediately follow at 2:00 PM at Sunset Memorial at 6245 Columbia Rd, North Olmsted, Ohio, 44070.
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