Joan Pignataro, 83, of the Bronx, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Brookhaven Health Care Facility in Patchogue, NY. She is survived by her children; Maria Pignataro, Michael Pignataro, (Joanne), Lisa Bell (Matthew), her five grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Joseph, Jenna, Giuliana, Lucas and Lily Rose, her sister, Julia Di Giambattista; and her former husband, Albert (Albie), with whom she remained close throughout her life.
Joan (also known as Big Red) lived and loved life thoroughly. She enjoyed traveling with her close friends on AARP trips, to the theater, the opera, and to live music venues. She had a love for cooking and savoring delicious meals with family and friends. A true foodie at heart of all things Italian, Joan was famous for her chicken cutlets but could always be found where the snacks were.
A lifelong resident of Morris Park, she was a fixture on the “Avenue” and absolutely loved the neighborhood. Second to that, Joan had a passion for JEOPARDY and the New York Yankees and would provide countless updates on their wins or losses.
Joan’s greatest asset and what she will be missed most for was her kind heart and generous nature which was as big as the love she shared with family, friends and even strangers.
Visiting will be Monday from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1703 Lurting Avenue, Bronx. Interment will follow at Old St. Raymond’s Cemetery, Balcom Avenue, Bronx. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .
