Obituary: Joan (Blake) Tufano, 87, of Branford, formerly of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home:

Joan (Blake) Tufano, 87, of Branford, formerly of East Haven passed away January 13, 2023 at CT Hospice. She was born December 7, 1935 in Sheffield, VT to Norris and Dorcas (Cushing) Blake. Joan is survived by her devoted children, Tina Tufano of Clinton, Michael Tufano of Branford, Ronald Tufano (Raffaella) of East Haven and Stanley Tufano of Branford.

She was the proud grandmother of Allen Tufano, who she raised, Troy Tufano (Lisa), Noel Tufano (Stan Wheeler), Ronald Tufano Jr. (Mary Alice), Brittney Tufano, Nicholas Tufano (Carly Warrick), Michael Tufano (Megan), Cassandra Baker (Kevin), Kayla Michaud and Anthony Michaud Jr. along with 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Bruce Blake (Priscilla) of Wallingford.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Thomas Tufano (2008), son, James Tufano, a granddaughter, Candice Tufano, sister, Vivien Gyuro and a brother, Merrill Blake.

Joan grew up in Branford, but raised her family in East Haven, where she was married to her soul mate for 55 years before he passed. She worked in retail for many years at Ben Franklins and then Fashion Bug in East Haven as well as Dress Barn in Branford. She also spent her life volunteering for organizations including the East Haven PTO and Parents for Better Education, St Clare Ladies Guild and the Bradford Manor Firehouse Ladies Auxiliary. Many will remember her as their lunch lady at Momauguin School. She retired in 2000 to take care of her grandchildren Kayla and Anthony.

Joan loved her children and grandchildren, dancing with her husband, telling stories and anything chocolate. Most of all she was a faithful Christian and her family is comforted in knowing that she is home with God.

Her funeral was Monday, January 16.

A special "Thank you" to CT Hospice in Branford for their kind and compassionate care, in lieu of flowers, please make donation to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford CT 06405 in memory of Joan Tufano.