JOAN S. RAPONE

68, of Ferncrest Dr., Johnston, RI, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at RI Hospital in Providence. She was the beloved wife of Frank A. Rapone, Jr. Born in New Haven, CT, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Anna (Volero) Santomasso.

Joan was Assistant Director for Educational Travel at Yale University for 25 years which brought her to all four corners of the world. She served on the Bethany, CT Board of Education and was a Literacy Volunteer in New Haven, CT. She was also a Deacon of the First Congregational Church in Bethany and was a past member of the Bethany Democratic Town Committee.

Besides her husband, she was the devoted mother of Douglas A. Kneeland of Essex, CT, Kimberly A. Kneeland Hirst of Old Saybrook, CT and Jennifer L. Kneeland and her husband Matthew W. Niebels of Wakefield, RI; loving grandmother of Sam, Jillian, Eva, Zola and Mave; dear sister of the late Eugene Santomasso; loving aunt of Bianca, Nicole, Ramona, Tom and Bev, Scott and Becky and Jamie and Leah; great nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law of Phyllis and Allen Minutelli.

Joan, a loving Nana, was clearly a champion for children's education and development. She was devoted to helping people as she was always quick to ask questions and offer advice to family, friends, colleagues or even a stranger - all in the spirit of love and support.

VISITING HOURS are Sunday, May 19th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, RI, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: donorschoose.org that provides support to teachers in public schools to provide tools and experiences needed for an excellent education.