Joan Marie (Minarcin) Flinko, 63, of Greensburg, PA, was born in Kittanning, PA on March 3, 1962 to Francis C. Minarcin and Dorothy Ann (Huet) Minarcin. She is survived by her loving husband John, and siblings Maxine Maize, James (Kathy), sister-in-law Annette, and Anne Remis (Bryce). She was a “favorite” Aunt Joan to Emily Volek (Brad), Kimberly Maize (Arie Peterson), Ryan Minarcin (Andrew Eckhardt), Raevin Slota (Luke), Sam Remis, and Matt Remis. She was Great Aunt Joan to Aubrey Volek, and Lilyanna and Luella Slota. Joan is also survived by many, many friends and considered an aunt by many of their children, who she loved like family. Joan went to be with her Lord on January 2, 2026 after a 7-year battle with ovarian cancer. Her parents and her brother Thomas preceded her in death.
Joan grew up in Ford City, PA, attending St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduating from Ford City High School. She played saxophone in the elementary band. Joan never let her family forget that she was a junior state bowling champion with a trophy to prove it. She enjoyed softball and many activities in high school, including working as a playground instructor in the summers in Ford City, PA. Joan then furthered her education at Westminster College where she studied computer science, graduating in 1994. While at Westminster, Joan played softball, and the team made it to the first round of the NCAA National Tournament, quite an accomplishment for a small college program.
She worked for Allegheny Power, Duquesne Light, and BNY Mellon over many successful years. Her first position was as a programmer analyst at Allegheny Power in Greensburg, PA, where she met her husband, John.
Joan enjoyed golfing and played in many leagues and tournaments. She enjoyed all sports, including swimming with many summer gatherings at their pool. She will be fondly remembered for hosting many gatherings at her various homes in Greensburg; Anderson, South Carolina; and Maple Grove, Minnesota. One of the most memorable celebrations was the annual pork, Knödel, and sauerkraut meal for New Years’ Day. Joan loved to travel. She enjoyed wintering in Florida with her brother Tom and his wife Annette. The lake house in SC was also a winter haven for her and John and many of their friends and family.
She was always the first to volunteer to help anyone in need, especially her family. We will never forget all the thoughtful, kind, and loving things she did for everyone.
Service arrangements are private and handled through Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory of Indiana, PA where online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net .
