Joan (Newman) Digristina

SCHUYLER – Mrs. Joan N. (Newman) Digristina, age 76, passed away suddenly and peacefully on May 18, 2025, with her adoring family and friends by her side.

Born in Utica on April 22, 1949, Joan was the daughter of the late Harold and Kathyrn (Doyle) Newman. Joan was a graduate of UFA, received a nursing degree from MVCC and worked for a short time at Slocum Dickson as a Registered Nurse.

Joan was raised in North Utica, on Route 5, and it was on a late spring day that she would first set eyes on her loving husband, James, just three miles down that very same road, picking strawberries at DiGristina Farms. James and Joan were wed on September 27, 1975, and spent forty-nine years of marriage together, always by each other’s side. They made their home in Schuyler and were parishioners of Historic Old St John’s Church in Utica.

Family and home were where Joan found her greatest joy and she will be remembered, always, for the warmth of her heart, which was shared with all those who met her; especially her children, Jamie (Maddie) DiGristina, Lee DiGristina, Katie (Todd) Beaton and her grandchildren Tanner, Stella, Emma, and Louis. Joan was an inspiration to her family; a beacon of light, love and hope.

She is further survived by her sisters, Phylis (George) Korrie, Dawn (Bob) Anderson and Mary Lou (Steve) Mercurio; her in-laws, Len (Pat) DiGristina and Clarice (Joe) Flint; and her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews, that she loved dearly. She also leaves behind many lifelong friends, including her best friend, Elaine (Paul) Hage.

Besides her parents, Harold and Kay Newman, Joan was predeceased by her father and mother in-law, Leo and Clara Digristina; and her brother, Glen (Amy) Newman.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours for Joan on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 3:00PM – 6:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Her funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025, at 10:00AM at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Tom Servatius, Pastor. Procession will follow to West Schuyler Cemetery where Joan’s earthly remains will be laid to rest.

It is the wish of the family that memorial contributions in honor of Joan be considered to Historic Old St. John's Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 13501, and directed toward the food pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for this purpose.

The Digristina family has entrusted the care of their beloved wife and mother to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .