Mrs. Joanne M. DeRocco

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Joanne M. (Roberts) DeRocco, age 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 9, 1944, Joanne was the daughter of the late Francis G. and Ivy M. (Townsend) Roberts. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1962. In October of 1958, Joanne met Armand DeRocco. Jr. and on March 13, 1965, the high school sweethearts were married. They were the love of each other's lives and shared a devoted union filled with many beautiful memories for over 60 years. Joanne held several positions over her career before retiring from a position in the office of Drs. Pearce, Davis, and Silver after many years of service. She made many long-lasting friendships during her time there. A loving matriarch, Joanne considered her entire family paramount to her heart. She selflessly attended to their needs before her own and always provided a loving and caring heart for them to confide in. Everywhere she went, she brought warmth, peace, a piece of candy, and a treat for your dog. She looked forward to family gatherings and always had an apple pie for your holiday table. Joanne made it easy for others to interact with her. She was a fantastic listener and was always supportive. She had a gift that made those she encountered feel special and loved. A true nurturer, she adored her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren completed her life circle of love. She hung on their every word, activity, and accomplishment. She did her best to make every day extraordinary for them because that's what they did for her. Joanne is survived by her devoted husband, Armand; daughter, JoanMarie DeRocco; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Linda DeRocco; grandchildren, Rachel DeRocco, and Danielle DeRocco; and siblings and their spouses, Barbara J. Nole (the late Daniel A. Nole), Sharon L. Steppello (the late Donald F. Steppello), Carol and Scott Nicotera, Judith E. VanGorder (the late Garland Dale VanGorder), Mary Lourdes DeVito (the late Albert DeVito), Pamela Hood (the late Gary Hood), Ivy and Michael Maphia, Francis R. and Katie Roberts, Michael and Lynn Roberts, and David and Deborah Roberts. She fondly remembered her sister, Elizabeth Anne "Liz" Scalise, who preceded her on November 13, 2021. She is further survived by her brother-in-law, Anthony M. "Tony" Scalise; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and close friends. Joanne was blessed by the special relationships she shared with Lucretia Campbell (the late Donald Campbell), Jean and Fred Cognetti, and Rosemary and Vinny Scialdone. Joanne was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Armand Sr. and Lucretia (Monaco) DeRocco. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Cedarbrook Village for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Final Blessing will be offered at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Joanne's honor may be made to The Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org/donate, or to CABVI at https://cabvi.org/about/how-you-can-help/make-a-gift/; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Norwich Corners Cemetery at the convenience of the family.