Joanne Puglielli (11/20/1935-08/07/2026)
Joanne (Degrandis) Puglielli, a lifelong resident of South Boston, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a family who adored her and a lifetime of memories filled with love, laughter, generosity, and her unforgettable spark.
Joanne was the beloved wife of the late Gennaro Puglielli and the devoted mother of Maria Anderson and her husband David E Anderson, and the late Domenic Puglielli and his wife Maureen; and Steven Puglielli.
She was the dear sister of Donald Degrandis and Patricia Dooley and the late Ralph, James, Maryanne, and John Degrandis.
She was born November 20, 1935 to Ralph and Mary (Foley) Degrandis.
She was the cherished grandmother of Jacqueline Dawley and her husband Patrick; Domenic Puglielli; Michael Puglielli; Nicole Bianco and her husband Michael; and David C Anderson. Also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Being a grandmother was one of Joanne’s greatest joys. She loved her grandchildren fiercely and was incredibly proud of each of them. She was always invested in what was happening in their lives, always there to listen, laugh, offer advice, or simply check in. Her grandchildren knew just how deeply they were loved, and the special relationship she shared with each of them will be treasured forever.
The love only grew when she became a great-grandmother. Joanne absolutely adored her great-grandsons, Wesson, Wyatt, Walker, and Wade Dawley. She loved hearing about what the boys were up to, talking with them, watching them grow, and being part of their lives. They brought her tremendous happiness and were an incredible source of pride and joy.
Joanne spent most of her life working as a waitress at several establishments, where her personality made her unforgettable to coworkers and customers alike. She had a natural way with people. Her warmth, humor, quick wit, and unmistakable spark drew people to her, and she was loved everywhere she went.
To know Joanne was to love her. She was remarkably generous and kind, fiercely devoted to her family, sharp as could be, and always ready to make those around her laugh. She was truly one of a kind and the rock of her family. Her presence could fill a room, and the love she gave so freely will continue to be felt by the many people whose lives she touched.
Her family will especially treasure the traditions and little things that made Grandma Grandma - including her famous meatballs, which her great-grandsons absolutely loved. Those recipes, stories, laughs, and memories will be carried on for generations.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, August 13, from 4-7pm at Casper Funeral Home, 187 Dorchester Street, South Boston.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, at 10am at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East Fourth Street, South Boston.
Joanne leaves behind an incredible legacy - not simply in the family she loved so deeply, but in the countless people who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered for her generous heart, her humor, her strength, and that special spark that was uniquely hers.