Joan M. Valerino's Obituary
Joan M. Valerino, 90—beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend—died April 1, 2025, at St. Camillus in Syracuse.
A born-and-bred Syracusan and graduate of North High, Joan went west to LA in the 1970s where she worked for UCLA. There, inveterate iconoclast Joan was a fierce advocate for her fellow employees and almost succeeded in forming a labor union. She returned to Syracuse in the 1980s, whereafter you might have found her at Vernon Downs, Turning Stone, the New York State Fair, and the homes of friends and family.
Joan was a force of nature with a fiery personality and kind heart. Despite the dementia of her later years, she always seemed to remember the important things: the faces of her loved ones, the name of her niece, the memory of her mother. She was known to sing and hum in her room; Both Sides, Now by Joni Mitchell was a favorite. Clouds, love, and life will not be the same without her.
Joan is predeceased by lifelong companion Jean Abelson of Syracuse; beloved mother Mary Trivison Signoski of Syracuse; father Joseph Valerino of Lakeland; dear sister Delores (Valerino) Vassallo and brother-in-law Patrick Vassallo of Dewitt; half-sister Mary Gargaro; and half-brothers Carmen and Joseph Valerino.
“Aunt Joanie” is survived by cherished niece and goddaughter Deborah (Vassallo) Esposito of West Hollywood; grand-nephew Robert Esposito of San Francisco; and grand-niece Leigh Esposito and great-grand-nephew Declan Brando Toal of Miami Beach.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to listen to Joni Mitchell and tell someone you love them. Joan would like that very much.
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