Obituary: Joan Ann Velleca, 85, of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT - (From West Haven Funeral Home) Joan Ann Velleca, 85, of West Haven, died on March 3, 2022. Born in New Haven on September 28, 1936, a daughter of the late Jeremiah C. and Marie (Corcoran) Ryan.

Survived by her loving children John M. (Jane) of Hamden and Paul (Kate Driscoll) Velleca of Cheshire; grandchildren Aubrie, Krystina, Nicholas, Cailynn, Lauren, Tyler and Alexis; brother Frank (Barbara) Ryan; sister-in-law Noreen Cunningham; many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as loving friends.

Joan is predeceased by her most beloved husband of 62 years, John Andre Velleca III; daughter Jennifer Velleca; brother Jeremiah “Jerry” C. Ryan; and sister Marie “Peggy” Sides.

Joan graduated as the senior vice president from Hill House High School in 1954 and was a member of the Kappa Mu Sigma sorority.

She married the love of her life, John, on November 7, 1959, and spent over 60 beautiful years together, while raising their three children. Faith was of utmost importance to Joan- she was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church in West Haven, remaining heavily involved in various program offerings, serving as a Catechism teacher as well as President of the OLOV Victorian Guild.

While her children attended Alma E. Pagels Elementary School in West Haven, Joan dutifully dedicated her time as a lunch aide; another testament to her service-minded ways.

Joan dedicated 27 years of her career to the Ora Mason Library in West Haven, whereby her role as a Library Assistant not only offered her the opportunity to meet and spend time with many dear friends, but also fostered an environment whereby she enjoyed her favored pastime of reading.

After retirement, Joan was so pleased to spend time with her grandchildren and enjoyed watching her family expand over the years. She remained so proud of them all, particularly during their many dance and sporting events of which she was always in attendance.

She also cherished the vacations to Ireland, spending time with her sister Peggy and daughter Jenn. She will be forever missed by all those who knew her.

Calling hours will take place on Monday, March 7th, from 4 to 6 o’clock. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Church on Tuesday at 10am. Friends are asked to meet directly at church.

Interment will immediately follow in All Saints Cemetery.