Obituary: Joann Brandi
Ben Vitale

With great sadness I must report the passing of one of the founding members of the Maple Avenue Neighborhood Watch, in Patchogue Village… Joann Brandi! If you enjoy the quality of life that you currently have here in Patchogue Village, you can thank Joann for that! Twenty-five years ago, Patchogue Village was not a desirable place to live! Joann and her Neighborhood Watch, tirelessly worked with the police department, village officials, and the Patchogue Village public safety department to identify undesirable activity… and It worked! Our village is now a wonderful place to live!

The following obituary was sent to me, by the Brandi family, for publication in Joann’s home town; Patchogue NY.

On November 1, All Saint’s Day, Joann Stella Brandi, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, dearest friend to many, and a living saint to those who knew and loved her, was called home to God at age 71.

Born and raised Joann C. Stella in the Village of Bellport, she graduated from Bellport High School in 1965 with honors, while receiving the home economic award for the top student in the field. Her love for cooking, baking and making her own clothes as a young girl was carried on throughout her life as a mother and grandmother. She attended Suffolk County Community College and received a degree in Secretarial Science, which landed her a job as a secretary to Brookhaven Supervisor Charles Barraud.

After several years, she returned to college to earn her Master's Degree in Elementary Education at Adelphi University. Receiving an offer to teach in the Sachem school district at the elementary level, she declined when she discovered she would be expecting her first child in January of the following year. The principal told her she could work until January and then stop to have her first child. Her reply was that it was not in the best interest of the children to get attached to a teacher and then have her leave them at mid-year, so she declined the offer. That was her way, always thinking of others over herself.

She raised three children, Justine, Joseph and Jeffrey before turning back to the workforce. Another teaching offer was also declined, this time to stay home to take care of her ailing parents. Finally, she accepted a position to teach preschool at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel only because she would be off on Fridays, allowing her to run her parents to various doctor appointments. Again, always putting others first. She went on to teach at Mt. Carmel for over 20 years.

Her love for her children was unquestionable, and her greatest enjoyment was to be with her ten grandchildren who gave her unconditional love. Growing up without a grandmother was something she always missed, so she wanted to make sure her ten grandchildren would not be deprived of the opportunity. On each child’s birthday, she would design a poster-sized birthday card which took her days to hand craft. Pictures, drawings and stickers of their favorite characters and hobbies were featured, along with a picture album containing over 100 photos she had taken throughout the year, as well as a hand-written story expressing her deep love and affection. 

She made every holiday the most love-filled, special and memorable events. Easter saw huge baskets filled with goodies, toys and clothing along with a 300 egg hunt and the making of her special Easter bread. Christmas was her favorite, as Santa would visit her house with ten huge bags of toys that she shopped for throughout the season.

As a member and past chairperson of the Village of Patchogue Architectural Review Board for over 17 years, she was very proud and dedicated to serve her village with her artistic talents and creative vision. She was responsible for many suggestions on the various signs and building exteriors that exist throughout the village today. A member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Columbiettes, she was instrumental in numerous fundraisers and charitable events, raising countless funds for worthy causes. She also served as an election inspector for the Suffolk County Board of Elections for the past 40 years.

A strong religious woman who attended mass everyday, she found her greatest joys from the little things in life. Never without her trademark radiant smile and the most positive attitude, her aim was to always please others over herself. Her faith was her strength, and her family was her life. The most beautiful and unique woman who made everyone she came into contact with feel special and loved.

The woman they called “Nanny” will be greatly missed.

 Also published in Patchogue Patch :   https://patch.com/new-york/patchogue/obituary-joann-brandi 

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