This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Joan (Blake) Tufano

Joan (Blake) Tufano, 87, of Branford, formerly of East Haven, passed away Jan. 13, at Connecticut Hospice. She was born Dec. 7, 1935, in Sheffield, Vermont 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, whom 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 soulmate for 55 years before he passed. She worked in retail for many years at Ben Franklin’s and then Fashion Bug in East Haven, as well as the 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.

Family received friends on Jan. 16, at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. All were invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 17, in St. George Catholic Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford, with burial to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven. 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 Road, Branford CT 06405, in memory of Joan Tufano.