WATERBURY– With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Miss. Joanne Caporale, age 77 of Waterbury, shares the news of her peaceful passing on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at The Village of East Farms.

Joanne was born on February 4, 1948, in Waterbury, CT, the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy (Monterose) Caporale. She was a graduate of Watertown High School, Class of 1966, and achieved her bachelor's and master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State College. Joanne worked as a first-grade teacher for 34 years in the Watertown School System, inspiring countless students. Her passion for teaching was matched only by her love of crafts, particularly knitting and stamping greeting cards, which were enjoyed by family and friends. Joanne also cherished her travels, exploring many countries throughout her life, and enjoyed dining out with her friends, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and joy.

Left to cherish and honor Joanne’s memory are many cousins, including her beloved cousin Cynthia Graham of Watertown, NY. She also had many special friends in her life, Rosemary Petronis and Barbara Winkel, who were her loving companions all through her life. Joanne was predeceased by her sister, Carma Caporale, and many relatives.

Joanne’s family and friends would like to thank the staff and nurses at The Village of East Farms, who provided excellent care to Joanne over many years, and the hospice nurses who were there for Joanne over the last few months.

Services for Joanne will be held in the spring. Please check the funeral home website for updated information. Casey-O’Neill Funeral Home and Cremation Care has been honored to assist the Caporale family during this most difficult time. To honor Joanne’s memory and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ORTV, The Daily television Mass, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate. It only takes a moment to send a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send a memorial gift to the family, please visit the funeral home website at www.caseyfunerals.com.