Joan Chapman Melillo

Joan Chapman Melillo, 82 of North Haven passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025 after a long illness. She was the beloved wife of 60 years to Fred J. Melillo. She was born in New Haven on June 6, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Joseph Parker Chapman and Vivie Ericsson Chapman. A 1961 graduate of North Haven High School, where she and her husband became childhood sweethearts, she later earned an Associates Degree from the former Quinnipiac College. Joan worked as a secretary to the treasurer of the former New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad; the Town of North Haven Parks and Recreation Department and later for the former Storytellers Photography of North Haven. Joan enjoyed music, especially Barry Manilow and The Bee Gees. She traveled all over the world including 48 of the 50 states, Australia, Russia, and Scandinavia. She loved chocolate, animals and a nice glass of red wine! She will be remembered for her vibrant smile, devotion to her family and her sense of style. Loving mother to Beth Connors and her husband Robert, Brian Melillo and his wife Tara and Brenda Tyrrell and her husband Michael. Beloved grandmother to Emma and Megan Connors, Brooke, Kate, Samantha and Jace Melillo and Mya Tyrrell. She was the sister of Janet Fusco and her husband Anthony, and the late Judy and Allan Greist. In her final years, Joan was blessed with the care and kindness of many special caregivers as a resident of The Landing of North Haven. Her family is forever grateful for the compassion the Opal aides, nurses and staff provided. Her family would also like to thank the caring staff at the Clelian Center in Hamden. The visiting hours will be held on Wednesday morning, Nov. 5th from 9:30 am - 10:30 at the North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church Street, North Haven with a funeral service to follow in the church at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Clelian Center, 261 Benham Street, Hamden, CT 06514 or to The Animal Haven of North Haven, 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT 06473 or can be made directly on their website: www.theanimalhavenct.org To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joan, please visit our Tree Store.