Obituary of Joan A. Parisi

Joan Parisi (nee Bruni) passed from this life to be reunited with her beloved husband Bobby, in Heaven on January 6, 2024. She lived her entire life as a model daughter, sibling, wife, mother and Nonna.

Joan was the last surviving sibling of ten born to Pasquarosa and Francesco Bruni of San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy and Cascade, New Hampshire. Her parents were both immigrants who came to America via Ellis Island and became US citizens in 1934.

Joan met her beloved Bobby through her friends Marie and Harvey Dube and they were wed in St. Benedict’s RC Church in Cascade on October 31, 1959. They moved to East Hartford, CT after their wedding for Bobby’s career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. After a short stint on Rector Street, they bought their home on Forest Lane and lived there for almost their entire lives.

Joan served others faithfully through her lifelong career as a registered nurse. She began her nursing career at Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, NH and then worked for many years at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Hartford, CT.

Joan was an amazing cook who could put together a delicious meal with whatever was in the refrigerator. Her real joy of cooking came out on holidays when family and friends would gather around her kitchen table to laugh and visit for hours. She was very quick to bring one of her delicious meals to others who might be in need of a comforting meal. Joan also received a lot of enjoyment from being an avid reader.

Joan and Bobby raised their three children – Jim, Frank and Nancy in that Forest Lane home. They provided a wonderful life for them making sure the kids knew that the love and support that she and Bobby had for them was limitless. The work ethic, love and respect that the children learned from their parents has been carried forward as each child has been blessed with their own beautiful families that includes a loving spouse, awesome children and grandchildren.

Their East Hartford neighborhood was very close knit for many years. Joan and Bobby enjoyed many fun and memorable times with their wonderful neighbors.

In addition to her three children and their spouses, Jim and Kim Parisi, Frank and Christina Parisi and Nancy and John Nafis, Joan is survived by six grandchildren – Matthew, Emily, Dan, Tom, Ben and Will. Two great granddaughters – Delta and Atlas and a third great granddaughter who will be born in 2024.

We are thankful to the wonderful caregivers who helped Joan and Bobby in their final years - Novlett, Doreen, Francine and especially Joycelin who provided patient and loving care for them over the past four years.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Joan at St. Edmund Campion Parish in St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer St., East Hartford, CT at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 31, 2024. Interment will follow at 12:00 Noon at the Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of one’s choice. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.