THOMASTON- It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joan (Pierce) Pescetelli, age 90, announce her passing on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Apple Rehab of Watertown, after a brief illness, where she was able to share a room with her lifelong friend, Arlene Welch. Joan passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Alvin Pescetelli, to whom she had been married for 56 years prior to his passing in 2014.

Joan was born on January 1, 1936, in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of the late Lewis and Anna (McKenna) Pierce. Joan took pride in being one of the first sets of twins born in Connecticut on New Year’s Day in 1936. She was a graduate of Waterbury Catholic High School, class of 1954. After raising her five children, she went on to work at Saint Mary’s Hospital for over 30 years as a communications operator, where she made lasting friendships. She was a faithful member of the Red Hatters Society, where she embraced her passion for fun and friendship. Joan loved traveling with her husband and their close friends, Jim and Bernadette Stemm, creating countless memories and adventures. An enthusiastic card player, Joan enjoyed evenings filled with laughter playing Setback, as well as dedicated craft nights that showcased her creative talents. She also had a special affinity for duckpin bowling, where her competitive spirit shone brightly. Above all, Joan was a devoted mother and a doting grandmother whose love knew no bounds. Her family was her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her family thanks her for the countless hugs, the many prayers, the boundless love, and the very special moments that helped define each one of us.

Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memories are her children, Mark Pescetelli, David (Eileen) Pescetelli, Cheryl (Michael) Varney, Susan DiMaria, and Patricia (William) McCarthy, in addition to her 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her brother-in-law, David Pescetelli, with whom she shared a special bond, and her sister-in-law and good friend, June Pierce, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Alvin; her brother, Edward Pierce; her sister, Mary Robbins; and her beloved twin brother, George Pierce, as well as her nephew, Keith Pierce, and great-grandson, Ethan James Harrison.

Funeral services for Mrs. Pescetelli will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Disciples Parish, Saint Mary Magdalen Church, 14 Buckingham Street, Oakville. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Joan’s family on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the procession leaves for church at 12:30 p.m. at the Casey-O’Neill Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 742 Main Street, Oakville, CT, 06779. To honor Joan's memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org would be greatly appreciated by her family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Joan to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.