Joan A. Massaro

joan massaro

Joan Ann Massaro was raised in Queens, NY with her siblings Grace and Eddie by her late parents Charles and Agnes Schuttinger. After graduating from Long Island City High School, she pursued a career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. where her co-worker Doris (who later became her sister-in-law), encouraged Joan to write supportive letters to Doris’ brother (Bob Massaro) while he served as a paratrooper in the Korean War. Following his discharge from the US Army, Joan and Bob coincidentally met each other at a skating rink outing with mutual friends and history was made…

They married on September 8, 1956 at St. Patrick’s Church in Long Island City, NY ultimately settling down to raise their family in Elmhurst, NY where Joan assumed the important roles of dedicated wife and homemaker. As a caring mother, Joan consistently guided and supported her children throughout each stage of their life by modeling the true meaning of “unconditional love” and what it means to “put others before oneself.”

Having a natural knack for cooking, Joan quickly began preparing traditional meals in addition to incorporating dishes based on Polish recipes and traditions she acquired from her mother-in-law. She was also known for her famous cheesecake, babka, crumb cake, Irish soda bread, and her mother’s most memorable “Mrs. Schuttinger’s Cake.”

Especially known for her compassionate, caring, and selfless call to service – throughout her life Joan actively sought out opportunities to give back to her local community by serving as a devout Catholic and parishioner at St. Adalbert Church, Girl Scout Co-leader, Eucharistic Minister, and as a weekly Pastoral Care volunteer at St. John’s Hospital in Elmhurst, NY for over ten years with her close friend Catherine.

Joan’s interests and hobbies included joining the Red Hat Ladies Society and collecting Salada Tea bag tags with “words of wisdom” that she would send with greeting cards to friends and family. She also enjoyed creatively decorating the front door and bay window of her home to celebrate each season and holiday in addition to having a natural knack for floral vase arrangements.

As a dedicated grandmother – Joan enjoyed spending quality time with her grandchildren and never forgot a birthday, holiday, or milestone occasion by sending a card and gift often followed by a phone call featuring a special greeting song memorably sang by her and their grandfather Bob.

One of Joan’s most favorite words of wisdom in her later life was “YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU THINK YOU CAN.”

Joan is survived by her children: Bruce Massaro (and his wife Claudia), Lois Lodico (and her husband Guy), Lawrence Massaro (and his wife Julissa), Diane Lorusso (and her husband Arthur), Robert Massaro, and the late Gary Massaro.

Her grandchildren: Diana, Dominic, Danielle, Madison, and Aydin.

Siblings: Grace and Edward Schuttinger

Sister-in-law: Diane Kanzler
Donations in memory of Joan A. Massaro can be made to any of the following charitable organizations:

New York Cancer Foundation Advocates for Hope.

200 Ramsey Road.
Shirley, NY 11967

1-833-588-6923

https://nycancerfoundation.org/donate/

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc.

371 East Jericho Turnpike.
Smithtown, NY 11787-2976

Phone: 1-631-930-9000

(Toll-free in the U.S.) 1-800-548-4337

https://www.guidedog.org/GD/gd/GDF_DonateNow.aspx

America’s Vet Dogs

371 East Jericho Turnpike.
Smithtown, NY 11787-2976

Phone: 1-631-930-9000

(Toll-free in the U.S.) 1-800-548-4337

https://www.vetdogs.org/

Services

Visitation: March 10, 2024 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Branch Funeral Home Smithtown
190 E. Main St.
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Mass: March 11, 2024 9:45 am

St. Patrick's R C Church Smithtown
280 E Main St
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787


Interment: March 11, 2024 11:30 am

Long Island National Cemetery
2040 Wellwood Ave
Farmingdale, NY


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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Joan A. Massaro 's name.

America's Vet Dogs

www.vetdogs.org

Guide Dog Foundation

371 NY-25

Smithtown,

NY

(631) 930-9000

www.guidedog.org

New York Cancer Foundation

1201 Route 112, Suite 350

Port Jefferson ,

NY

833.588.6923

www.nycancerfoundation.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Your love and kindness will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in Peace Aunt Joan ❤️

    • My Mom use to always say to me …Your too much like me …don’t be like me . As a kid I didn’t get it …or appreciate it ! Like really Mom .? I’m a boy ur a girl … am I missing something here ? Yes …you were a sweet soul unique in every way. What a compliment I can’t compare to …what a treasure memory She gave me. A mothers love endless….She showed me the way. ..you will be truly missed my Angel in heaven .. Luv you Mom 💓 You are Home now..

  2. My condolences and deepest sympathy to the Massaro family. Fond St. A’s memories……may she rest in peace.

  3. Joan Massaro it was an honor having you as my mother in law always sweet and kind you will always be remembered and loved. You are one of God’s precious child and there’s big celebration in heaven welcoming you and there’s also a great reunion with your husband Robert your son Gary your parents I am so happy for you mom you are finally home with God the Angel’s and all the people that love you. I love you I will always remember the good times. There’s a great celebration in heaven Joan is finally home. Thank you for the good memories and for your love

  4. Mama Joan, I wanted to add that you fought the good fight you were a good mother to your kids Lawrence, Lois , Diane. Robert Jr. And Bruce you were a wonderful and Faithful Christian woman you deserved to be honored for the life you lived, and for the love you gave. I am not going to say rest in Peace because you are alive in heaven you are invisible and you are in your 30th again. There’s no death. I know I will see you again when my time comes to leave this world we will meet again until then see you later mama, say hello to Jesus. I Love you❤

  5. Mom thank you from the bottom of my heart.you prayed me out of the dark and into the light that was almost 40 years ago when i got clean. I hope as i sat with you Monday night for the last time holding your hand the whole time and looking into your beautiful eyes that you can go if you want or I’ll be back soon i said you did not make no mistakes in life and u gave me that I’m not sure about that one look i know you heard me say i love you and then i prayed to God to take you into the light from this dark place if it was his will and thy will be done you soar mom you where the strongest kindest person i know and if i can be that person in your honor from this day forward it would be my pleasure to carry your way from this day. It’s time to put bad feeling behind and move forward with your help and spirit.ok mom time for bedtime keep praying for me as my life has been great ever since your prayers where answered. .li will always love you thank you God for your grace and mercy . Please watch over my family as u have. Thank you God love you God amen .

  6. Bruce
    May your mom rest in peace. She was very nice lady. All the time we were growing up she was a great person. Our condolences to your family from ours.

  7. candleWe are sorry for your loss. May She Rest in Peace.
    Milton Galiano, Leonor Giraldo and Family

  8. We are SO sorry for the loss of truly one of the most loving, faithful, giving hearts one could know. We’ll miss your “Salada cards” of encouragement and sitting in the front yard with you and Bob. You will be missed by many! our hearts go out to the whole Massaro family who were blessed to call you mom💔.

  9. Bruce Massaro and family so sorry to leaarn about your Mom’s passing. May perpetual light shine upon her.

  10. candleTo the Massaro family,
    I’ll always remember your Moms smile and friendliness with everyone on the block, and many more memories.
    RIP


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