Joan Tisch, the widow of late Giants owner Bob, was known for her love of Big Blue, but her impact extended far beyond the Meadowlands.
The New York Giants announced the passing of Joan Tisch, widow of former Giants co-owner Bob and mother of current chairman and executive vice president Steve. She was 90.
“Joan Tisch was a great lady who led an extraordinary life that touched so many people,” Giants president and CEO John Mara said in a team statement. ““She was an outstanding role model for her wonderful family and for all of us who knew her. We will miss her dearly.”
Mrs. Tisch’s impact extended far beyond football in East Rutherford, as she was also one of New York City’s most well-known philanthropists. She served on the Board of Directors of Citymeals-on-Wheels, as well as a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art. Together with her family, she was involved in Tisch Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Tisch Center for the Arts at the 92nd Street Y, serving as a co-chair at the latter.
Tisch was also Co-President and Director of the Tisch Foundation. Previously, she was one of the earliest supporters of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis’s fight against AIDS.
Tisch met her husband when the two attended Michigan University, where she graduated in 1948. The two married in the same year and remained so until Bob’s death in 2005.
She is survived by her three children Steve, Jonathan, and Laurie. In addition to his duties with the Giants, Steve resides in Beverly Hills, where he also works as a film producer. Jonathan serves as the Giants treasurer and is Chairman Emeritus of the United States Travel Association. Her only daughter, Laurie, is the founder of the non-profit Illumination Fund, focusing on arts education for children.
A huge Giants fan, Tisch would attend as many games as possible. The Giants have announced that they will honor her with a moment of silence at MetLife Stadium prior to Sunday afternoon’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. In addition, the Giants’ helmets will bear a memorial decal for the Rams game, as well as a memorial jersey patch that they will wear for the remainder of the season. Each will bear her initials (JHT).
