Mrs. Joan S. (DeSarro) Pecorello

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Joan S. (DeSarro) Pecorello, is now at rest after a long journey, as she entered into God’s home on Monday, October 16, 2023. At the time of her passing she was in the hearts of her family. Born in Utica on November 4, 1933, Joan was the daughter of the late Anthony and Natalie (Ciruzzi) DeSarro. She received her education at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On October 3, 1953, she wed Edward P. “Coach” Pecorello. Their union was a testament to unwavering love and devotion. She gave every piece of herself to their marriage... that kind of love belonged to their generation! Together, they celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage until his passing on May 19, 2003. Joan joined forces with her husband and her in-laws, in the operation of Pecorello Bros. Market on Albany St. She encompassed many responsibilities from welcoming customers, stocking orders, and all the momentum of keeping the business well cared for until the return of her husband and brother-in-law, who both held full-time jobs during the day. Often the children and grandchildren would assist, but everyone knew Joan was the boss and kept things in tip-top order. The family business thrived for over five decades under their watchful eye. In 2002 her husband Ed became ill, and that changed the course of their lives. She accompanied him to all his treatments, and he always wanted her by his side, once again showing the love they had for each other. Joan was always the score-keeper for her husband’s MUNY League Basketball teams. In addition, she always had the energy to entertain the members of the team after a game at their apartment where the food was plentiful and all were welcome. Joan was a very hospitable-natured woman who was passionate about her cooking and always ready to entertain. Memorable were her meatballs and bread, sausage rolls, Christmas Eve fish and her famed lasagna. Joan hosted Thanksgiving with an incredible meal and fixings, that included her famous stuffing. Not all families would know of this kind of life, but if you came from East Utica you were rooted in love, food, family and good times. Joan enjoyed hosting for the people she loved, which were many. She was a great shopper and loved going up and down the aisles shopping for clothes. She was always stylish and it was very important to her that she was always put together, dressed in her best. She had a habit of making sure that all in her family were safe and at home. When she was raising her children, she never slept until they all had returned. Joan adored, loved, and protected her children and she was the best mom anyone could ask for! When her five grandchildren arrived, they shared the most valuable time with her. Then the two great-grandchildren proved that her motherly instincts were still intact. She was “Gram” to the first generation and “GiGi” to the greats. She tried her very best to attend all of the special events that occurred in their lives. When her granddaughter Rachel was married, she was asked to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Joan joyously accepted and she also attended her Bachelorette Extravaganza in Atlantic City. She was the life of the party, and that is just who she was. She married the love of her life, who became her soulmate, she knew the hearts of her three children, as well she shared her blessings and knowledge with her grandchildren and great granddaughters. Therefore, you could appreciate the countless memories of the wonderful years. Joan was deeply dedicated to her faith, attending Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist was so very important to her. The family practiced their faith at St. Agnes Church and is having her Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Joan is survived by her children and their spouses, Roseanne N. (Pecorello) and Richard Craft, Edward P., Jr. and Terri Pecorello, and Rick Pecorello; grandchildren Rana (Craft) Hilinski, Rich Craft, Rachel L. Craft; Anthony Pecorello and Nicholas Pecorello; and great-grandchildren Risa Hilinski and Kyla Hilinski. She leaves her memory to her siblings, Ella Mae Gignac, and Frank DeSarro. She was pre-deceased by her sisters, Alice Musa, Agnes Dineen, and Cretia “Bunny” Heath. As well as her sister-in-law Marge Scotellaro with whom she shared many great times. Joan is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, including Theresa Ruskowski and many treasured and dear friends. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joan’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Her interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, will follow, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. It is with much gratitude that Joan’s children and family wish to thank the nurses and staff, especially Anita, from the dialysis unit at St Luke’s Nursing Home. Additionally numerous nurses and aides who assisted her during hospital stays and those who cared for her at the Rehabilitation Center. They loved her spirit and honesty, and appreciated who she was. Special thanks to Dr. Garg and Dr. Kannan who took great care of Mom over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation online at www.kidney.org and/or to the Dementia Society of America online at www.dementiasociety.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Mrs. Joan S. (DeSarro) Pecorello

November 4, 1933 - October 16, 2023