Joanne Kuczynski

Joanne Kuczynski, age 80 of Cheshire, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at MidState Medical Center in Meriden after a brief illness. She was the devoted wife of Leo Kuczynski for over 58 years. Joanne was born on July 22, 1942 in Derby, daughter of the late Joseph and Marion (Dick) Fiasconaro.

Joanne grew up in Ansonia and attended local schools before earning an Associates Degree from Southern Connecticut State University.  It was there that she met Leo. They married on June 27, 1964 and moved to Cheshire to raise their two daughters, Karen and Amy.

After staying home to raise her children, Joanne worked in the insurance industry as an insurance adjuster and rater.  She retired from The Hartford in 2004. Joanne was an avid reader, frequent visitor at her local library, and an expert at crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She was happiest when spending time with her family and enjoying her morning cup of coffee with her husband, Leo, the love of her life. She enjoyed trips out with her daughters and grandchildren to lunch, the movies, and shopping excursions, where she always did her utmost to pick up a trinket to brighten their day. She also enjoyed supporting her grandchildren at their sports competitions, and above all wanted them to know that their Gram and Gramp were cheering them on no matter what.

Joanne and Leo enjoyed many trips in retirement including adventures in Italy, France, Germany, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as many vacations in Wellfleet, Gloucester and Rockport MA. There were also trips to southern Maine and Canada and out West to various National Parks.

Joanne is survived and deeply loved by her devoted husband, Leo; daughters Karen (Robert) DiNino of Glastonbury and Amy (Janssen) Padilla of East Haven. She also leaves her loving grandchildren, Dedee Baker Kuczynski and Casey Moody of East Haven and Anna and Nicholas DiNino of Glastonbury; her cherished great-granddaughters, Riley and Abigail Moody of East Haven; her sister Diane Henries (William); brother-in-law Thomas Kuczynski; nieces Alison Henries; Elizabeth Henries (Jason Crelinsten) and their children Lucas and Max; Katherine Henries-Meisner (Michael) and their children Thalia and Harrison; and Rebecca Henries - as well as many cousins and longtime friends.

Family and friends may greet Joanne’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire at 615 So. Main St. Cheshire, CT 06410 on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 4 PM-6:30 PM.  The funeral service will be held at 6:30 PM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the autism and/or children’s charities of your choice. To leave online condolences for her family, or to share a memory of Joanne, please visit www.fordfh.com.