OBITUARY: Former Mel-High Student Joanne Dilley Dannemiller of Indian Harbour Beach Passes Away at 96
By Space Coast Daily // September 23, 2025
managed development of land acquired by her father in the 1940s, including The Shoppes of Palm Bay on Malabar Road
Joanne Dilley Dannemiller of Akron, OH, and Indian Harbour Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025.
She was born June 20, 1929, to Marguerite Hudson and Gilbert W. Dilley. A love of learning and music marked her early years. She attended King School, Melbourne High School (FL) as a winter student before graduating from Our Lady of the Elms in Akron, OH in 1947.
Joanne loved her two years at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, before transferring to The Ohio State University, where she pledged Pi Beta Phi fraternity, to which she was devoted all her life. She graduated from Ohio State with a BA in music education in 1952, later completing a Master of Arts in Music at Kent State University.
In 1956, Joanne married Frederick Francis Dannemiller. Over the next 12 years, they welcomed five children. Joanne and Fred were a dynamic and elegant presence in Akron’s social scene—often seen heading out to tea dances, formal galas and charitable events.
She was a born leader and had an enormous impact within many charitable groups, including the Children’s Concerts Society, co-founder of the Blossom Music Center Women’s Committee (for the summer home of the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra), the Jr. League of Akron, the Association of Ohio Commodores, and many others.
In 1989, Joanne returned to Florida’s east coast to astutely oversee the development of land acquired by her father in the 1940s. It became The Shoppes of Palm Bay on Malabar Road, and she has managed its affairs ever since.
In 1990, she established a home in Indian Harbour Beach, reconnected with Melbourne high school friends, and remained active with her Pi Phi alumnae group and the Junior League of Brevard County sustainers.
A special moment came recently when she received her 75-year Pi Beta Phi pin—celebrated with joy among dear Florida friends. Joanne was a member of the Jr. Leagues of Akron and Brevard County, Portage Country Club, and the Eau Gallie Yacht Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents, Marguerite and Gilbert Dilley; her sister, Barbara Dilley Thorpe; and her brother, William Dilley.
Her five children survive her: Marguerite (Scott) Tremelin, Francia, Gilbert (Lisa), William (Stephanie), and Noel (Elizabeth) Dannemiller; 14 grandchildren, and seven grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral services have taken place. Visit www.HummelCares.com to sign the online guestbook and view the memorial video.
