Joan DeBella

Joan (Knox) DeBella, of Mansfield CT, beloved wife of Donald J. DeBella, passed away on January 30, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Providence, RI on May 19, 1938, daughter of the late Robert and Barbara (Powers) Knox and lived in Barrington until her marriage. She graduated from the University of Bridgeport in 1958 and moved to Mansfield in 1966. Joan was a secretary for Mansfield Middle School for 18 years, retiring in 1993, and then worked on a part-time basis for the Mansfield Food Service for 11 years. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 938 in Willington, CSEA Chapter 408, The Mansfield Historical Society, and Mansfield Senior Center. Joan loved dressing her dolls to give to those who needed someone to love.

Joan is survived by her daughter Candace Colonese, her granddaughter Shelby Colonese and husband Zachary of Ashford CT. Her son Robert DeBella of Coventry CT, and her daughter Kimberly Sharp and her husband JD of VA. She also leaves her grandson Andre DeBella and three nephews, Thomas, Sean, and Michael Mulqueen. Joan is predeceased by her loving husband Donald, whom she married in 1958, her two sisters, Patricia Knox and Judith Knox Mulqueen.

To honor Joan's wishes, please make a memorial donation to the Mansfield Historical Society.

Joan's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 17, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic. A private ceremony will be held at a future date. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.