Joanne P. Drivas

JoAnne Phyllis Drivas (née Aliotta)
June 10, 1941 – July 29, 2025
Hello everyone,
My name is JoAnne Phyllis Drivas, born JoAnne Aliotta on June 10, 1941, in Poughkeepsie, New York. I was the daughter of Luigi and Catherine Aliotta, and the second child of four - my sister Jackie, my brother Guy, and my youngest brother Louis made up our close-knit Italian family. I grew up in LaGrange, New York, where our backyard opened up to cow and horse pastures just off Sleight Farms and Overlook Road. It was a simple, beautiful life, and I always held those memories close.
I was a tomboy through and through - I ran through cornfields, climbed fences, rode horses, and helped my father with plumbing, painting, stucco work, and woodworking. I loved learning to work with my hands and do real, useful things. That sense of energy, curiosity, and independence stayed with me for life. And yes, I loved my cars - especially my 1953 Chevy Bel Air. Antique cars were a passion I carried with pride.
I was also proud to be an Arlington Admiral - maroon and gold, through and through. Those school years gave me lifelong friends and a strong foundation I never forgot.
Before my time at IBM, I worked many jobs that shaped me and helped me understand people from all walks of life. I worked at Miles Shoes, Paymen Hosiery, the Town Shop, Lucky Platt, Gladmore Cleaners, Country Casual, Clothes Horse, the John Lane Gallery, and John Lane Studio. Every one of those jobs gave me something - whether it was a skill, a memory, or a person I'd never forget.
In 1962, I married Michael - or as most of you knew him, Mickey. Together, we built a life rooted in family, tradition, and devotion to our children. While our journey wasn't a fairy tale, we shared something real and lasting - our four beautiful children, who became the heart of everything. We continued the traditions I grew up with, and holidays and Sunday dinners at my parents' home in LaGrange brought our families together. Watching our children grow up side by side with their cousins was one of the greatest blessings of my life.
In 1979, I began working at IBM in Poughkeepsie. Truth be told, the job itself wasn't always exciting - it is what it is - but I made some truly great friends there. Gerry Osterhoudt (and his wife) remained dear friends throughout the years, and my special friend JT will forever hold a place in my heart. Those friendships were the highlight of my time at IBM, and I considered many of those people family.
I was proud to be the mother of four beautiful children: Lenore and her partner Mark, Catherine, Michael, and Manny and his wife Susan. My heart swelled for my five grandchildren - Marcello Incorvaia (and his wife Bianca), Max Drivas, Lillie Drivas, Jack Drivas, and Jeannine - and for my sweet great-grandchild, Joseph Incorvaia.
I especially want to say how much I appreciated my son Michael - for living with me, being by my side, and taking care of me all these years, just as I had cared for him. That bond meant everything.
I was also so lucky to be surrounded by a loving extended family. My dear nieces and nephews meant the world to me - Susie, Bobby, Dr. Guy (may he rest in peace), AnneMarie, and Jennifer - each of them brought joy to my life in their own unique way.
And then there were the friendships that truly stood the test of time. Jimmy Rumble, Mary Ferrari Stabile, Harriet, and Barbara Starzyk Fritz - you were more than friends, you were family to me. Thank you for walking through life with me.
Now, my time here has come to a close, but my love doesn't end. I'm heading home to rest, back with the loved ones who went before me. I'll be sure to let them all know how much they're missed. Don't be sad too long - I had a wonderful life, filled with memories, laughter, and love. I'll be waiting to see all of you again one day in Paradise.
With all my love,
JoAnne
A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in poughkeepsie on Monday August 4th at 10am.