Joan Altobelli, 88 of Pelham, NY, died peacefully on April 26, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born to the late Henry and Emma Weisgerber on August 26, 1931, in the Bronx, NY. On September 14, 1952 she married Richard Altobelli, and they were blessed with 67 years of marriage. Joan and Richard raised their three children in Pelham, Lois (Ben) Soccodato, John (Rebecca), and Richard Jr. who predeceased her. Joan’s love carried on, because she then helped raise her grandchildren, Nicholas, Amy (Raymond) Downs, Richard III, Amanda (Cody) Williams, Anthony, and Samantha (Jamie) Bottomley. Her legacy continued, caring for her precious great grandchildren, Raymond and Charlotte, up until the end. They were her pride and joy.

Joan was a woman who gave selflessly to her community, and everyone who she came in contact with. If you ever strolled down Fifth Avenue, you knew her and were greeted with a warm smile, sincere conversation, delightful sense of humor, and her kind, tender ways. She was a fixture in Pelham, an icon, always giving and caring for everyone. Family was most important to Joan, that was clear. She was always there for her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She baked brownies for her grandson’s football team every week for the season. She had a dinner celebration for her other grandson’s lacrosse team in the yard at their house. The stories were endless, just like her caring ways. Everyone in the community mattered, they were considered her extended family. Joanie had so much to give…she volunteered to be class mom not only for her children, but also her grandchildren. She continued giving back, assisting the girl scouts, as well as, the senior citizens in Pelham, for which she was a dedicated advocate. Most importantly, she realized there was a void in programs for children and adults with special needs. Joan organized and attended these activities and recreation programs that she implemented twice a week. Every Christmas Joan and her husband organized a Christmas Party, and handpicked gifts with love for each child and adult in the program.

On weekends, Joan would travel to their family farm in Kinderhook, NY., to help plant flowers in the greenhouses, as well as, making delicious meals for the family. She loved the peace and tranquility there, but was eager to get back to Pelham. In her spare time, Joanie loved to knit, crochet, and do needlepoint. She took pride in her exquisite creations, and many people were lucky enough to be gifted her works of art. Joanie was a fabulous cook and enjoyed cooking and sharing her recipes.

Joan’s funeral cortege will leave Pelham Funeral Home on Saturday, May 2nd, at 11:00am. The procession will pass St. Catharine’s Church, where the church bells will chime and then proceed down Fifth Avenue to honor her memory. The family will have a private service, and interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. There will be a celebration of her life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pelham Civic Association/Good Neighbors Program in memory of Joan Altobelli. Donations will be given to needy children at Hutchinson Elementary School. Joan’s family and friends are devastated at this loss, but know heaven has gained a beautiful angel.

Editor’s note: The obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.