Del Vecchio, Joan M.

ROTTERDAM — Joan M. Del Vecchio of Rotterdam, died May 13, 2022, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany after a brief illness. Joan was born in Schenectady and lived her entire life in the area, most recently in Rotterdam. She is the daughter of the late Albie and Felicia (Dicocco) Natalie.

Joan attended Schenectady schools and graduated from Nott Terrace High School, class of 1957. She began her career while still in high school at H. S. Barney’s. She was a data entry operator for the State of New York, Finserv Corporation and ended her career with Preferred Data Corporation in Albany.

Joan was first and foremost a wife and a mother. She was happiest doing things for her family, cooking delicious meals, keeping an orderly home and leading by example. She was never too busy to listen. Her opinions were direct and honest. She led a simple life of kindness, gentleness, humility, and forgiveness. Her gentle ways belied an independent and strong will. She was a woman of deep faith and a devout catholic and a member of St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in Schenectady for many years, where she was a member of the Altar Rosary Society and a volunteer in the parish office. Joan also enjoyed her many friendships while volunteering at Bloodmobiles for the American Red Cross.

Joan was married to Stephen Del Vecchio from November 1960 until his death in July 1992. Together, they raised three sons, Michael (married to Andrea), David (married to Phyllis) and Christopher (married to Sara). Joan affectionately referred to them as “my boys.” Joan is also survived by her brother, Albie “Skip” Natalie and his wife Barbara; nine grandchildren, Matthew and his wife Maria, Christine, Brandon, Benjamin, Alexander, Jordan, Daniel, Elizabeth and Ava. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her brother Bob; her sister Loretta and her husband Joseph Amoroso; grandson