Obituary of Joan Mainiero

Joan Hutchinson Mainiero, age 87, devoted wife to the late Leonard N. Mainiero, of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on February 28, 2018.

Joan will be lovingly remembered by her five children and their spouses, Nicholas and Sheila Mainiero of Madison, Robert and Jill Mainiero of Andover, MA, Lisa and Paul Cobb of Midlothian, VA, Leonard Mainiero Jr. and Madelyn of Bridgeport, Douglas and Martha Mainiero of Jamestown, RI; Thirteen cherished grandchildren, Alexandra, Lucas, Gabrielle, Philip, Victoria, Elizabeth, Katharine, Jennifer, David, Christina, Leonard, Christopher, Serena; two great grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Fred Kern, niece, Kelly, and grandniece, Lilliana. In addition to her husband and parents, Joan was predeceased by her granddaughter , Megan Cobb, her sister, Barbara H. Kern, and her nephew, Jason Kern.

Born and raised in Bridgeport, she was the daughter of the  late Robert and Lillian Hutchinson. Joan  graduated Cum Laude from the University of Bridgeport in 1952 with her BA in Sociology. She dedicated her lifetime to her husband, her family and a wide range of activities serving her community.  Most noteworthy are:  The American Association of University Women (AAUW) where she served on the Executive Committee,  and was honored with the AAUW Award of the Year, Co–Chair of the Mayor’s Educational Task Force, Vice-Chairperson of the Bridgeport Conventions and Visitors Committee, Fairfield College Prepatory School as the Chairperson of the Student Life Committee, the President of the Bellarmine Mothers Guild, a member of the Board of Regents, and was honored to receive Prep's “Hall of Fame Award." She served as a Chairperson for the Golden Hill United Methodist Church Public Relations Committee, and was an active member and volunteer for the Museum of Art, the Science and Industry Guild, the Committee for Opera in New England, the Barnum Museum and the YWCA. Joan was also an original member of her beloved Harding HS Reunion Committee, “Forever  Class” of 1948.

Her gracious and loving spirit was testament to her love for God.  Well known throughout Fairfield County for her warm, wonderful, welcoming smile and her quick, playful wit.  She loved to travel and entertain and regularly opened her home and her heart to friends and family.  Still, Joan’s happiest moments were simple:  Sitting on the sunny dock, at the annual get-together in Woodstock, CT., with a book, family and friends and thought-provoking conversation.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 4th, from 3 to 7 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will take place on Monday at 10:30 AM in the funeral home with the Reverend Sara Smith, Esq. officiating. Interment to follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery.

In Joan's memory, contributions may be directed to: Fairfield County Community Foundation, Megan Cobb-Jason Kern Fund, 40 Richards Avenue,  Norwalk, CT 06854-2320 (www.fccfoundation.org), a scholarship fund established by Len and Joan Mainiero to provide  college tuition for Bridgeport students. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com