Joan P. Palatine

Joan Palatine, whose warmth, enthusiasm, and gift for friendship touched countless lives, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Known for her boundless energy, generosity, and ability to make anyone feel welcome, Joan lived a life defined by devotion to family, community, and the many friendships she cultivated wherever she went.

Born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Larchmont, New York, she graduated from Colby College with a degree in business. She began her career in Philadelphia before accepting an administrative position at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut, where she met Richard Palatine, the love of her life. They married in 1956 and settled in Glastonbury, where they raised their three children, Jim, John, and Liz. Joan and Richard shared 65 years of marriage until his passing in 2021.

A vivacious and enthusiastic person who made friends easily, Joan generously shared her warmth with family, friends, and her community. A lifelong volunteer, she devoted countless hours to delivering adopted babies to their new families, assisting with Red Cross blood drives, serving as a crisis hotline attendant, and supporting many other charitable efforts. She and Richard shared a love of dogs, raising golden retrievers and visiting nursing homes with them as part of pet therapy programs. A savvy investor and capable businesswoman, she worked alongside Richard to build two beloved vacation homes that became the center of family gatherings and social life for more than 50 years.

In retirement, Joan and Richard embraced adventure, traveling widely on bicycle tours throughout Europe and North America, where her warmth and enthusiasm quickly turned acquaintances into lifelong friends. Above all, she cherished her family, in whom she took immense pride. She is survived by her sons Jim (Jan) and John (Taffy Hyyppa); her grandchildren Julia (Randy Caprenzi), Jake (Ashley), and Josh; and her great-grandchildren Tanner, Sloane, and Bowie Caprenzi and Leo Palatine, with another great-grandchild on the way. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and her daughter, Elizabeth.