Joanne Leoni DeSarle, age 69, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 21, 1956, in Manhattan, NY, Joanne was the beloved daughter of Severino and Margaret (Hannon) Leoni.

A trailblazer in law enforcement, she entered the New York State Police Academy in 1979 and proudly became a New York State Trooper in 1980. Joanne's distinguished 35-year career broke barriers for women in law enforcement, including inspiring her own daughter, Catherine DeSarle, to follow in her footsteps.

She served with honor and dedication, retiring as a Senior Investigator on February 3, 2015. Joanne was one of the most highly decorated members of Troop K. She was promoted to Sergeant in 1985, appointed as an Investigator in 1986, and in 1996 made history as the first woman in New York State Police history to receive the department's highest honor, The Brummer Award, for her role in the arrest of three suspects connected to a series of armed robberies. She was later promoted to Senior Investigator in 1998.

Joanne earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

On April 16, 1983, she married Douglas DeSarle at St. Mary's Church in Wappingers Falls, NY. Together, they raised a loving family in Stormville, NY, until Douglas's passing in 2008.

Joanne found joy in running, reading, dining out with loved ones, and spending time at the beach. Above all, she cherished moments with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Catherine DeSarle and her husband Dominick Vitale, and her adored grandchildren Devin and Rory. She also leaves behind her sister Jeanette Leoni DeSarle and her husband John DeSarle, niece and nephew Regina Ten Eyck and Matthew DeSarle, her cherished granddog Meatball, and many lifelong friends, including the Durante family, and former colleagues.

She found not only a neighbor but a true friend and confidante in Michael Iannone, a bond that enriched both of their lives.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Douglas (2008), her cherished son Doug (2024), and her faithful four-legged companion Diesel, who she adored taking on walks and car rides.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 3 PM to 7 PM at McHoul Funeral Home, 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at St. James the Apostle Church, 14 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY.
Interment will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 100 Mill Street, Putnam Valley, NY.