Joan Palatine, whose warmth, enthusiasm, and gift for friendship touched countless lives, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Known for her boundless energy, generosity, and ability to make anyone feel welcome, Joan lived a life defined by devotion to family, community, and the many friendships she cultivated wherever she went.
She was born in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in Larchmont, New York. Joan graduated from Colby College with a degree in business. She began her professional life in Philadelphia and soon after accepted a position in administration at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, where she met Richard Palatine, the love of her life. They married in 1956 and built their first home in Glastonbury, Connecticut, where they raised their three children: Jim, John, and Liz. Joan and Richard shared 65 years of marriage before Richard’s passing in 2021.
Joan was a vivacious and enthusiastic person who made friends easily and generously shared her warmth with family, friends, and her community. A lifelong volunteer, she devoted countless hours to helping others—delivering adopted babies to their new
families, assisting with Red Cross blood drives, serving as a crisis hotline attendant, and supporting many other charitable efforts.
Joan also shared a love of dogs with her husband, raising golden retrievers and visiting nursing homes with their dogs as part of pet therapy programs. A savvy investor and capable businesswoman, she worked alongside Richard to build two beloved vacation homes that served as the center of family gatherings and social life for more than 50 years.
In retirement, Joan and Richard embraced adventure, traveling widely on bicycle tours throughout Europe and North America. Wherever they went, Joan’s warmth and enthusiasm quickly turned acquaintances into lifelong friends.
Even in her final days, Joan was surrounded by a steady stream of close friends and family who came to share stories and celebrate her extraordinary positivity and ability to bring energy and joy to everyone in her circle.
Above all, Joan cherished her family, in whom she took immense pride. She is survived by her sons Jim (Jan) and John (Taffy Hyyppa); her grandchildren Julia (Randy Caprenzi), Jake (Ashley), and Josh; and her great-grandchildren Tanner, Sloane, and Bowie Caprenzi and Leo Palatine, with another great-grandchild on the way. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and her daughter, Elizabeth.
A memorial service will be held at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury on Saturday April 18th at 2:30 PM, with burial at Old Church Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue, P.O. Box 403, Fairhope, AL 36533, or to the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury, 949 Main Street, South Glastonbury, CT 06073.