Joan M. Rockefeller

Joan M Rockefeller (Columbo), 91 passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on Monday, August 12, 2024. Born on October 26, 1932 in Cornwall, NY she was the Daughter of the late Kenneth Rockefeller and Ethel (Piester) Gambacorta.

Joan lived in Connecticut most of her life, growing up on Goshen Street in Hartford and Jobs Hill Road in Ellington. She raised her family in Ellington and later settled in Manchester. She worked for G. Fox, Podunk Mill Restaurant, for her brother Ken's company, Able Coil Electronics in Bolton, and Union Carbide/FirstBrands in East Hartford.

She leaves behind her children Christopher Columbo his wife Bettye of OB, North Carolina, grandchildren Ashleigh and Anthony of Mosley Virgina; Hope (Columbo) Cote, her partner Steve Kovalsky of Mrytle Beach, SC, grandchildren Raymond Cote and Michelle Cote, both from Bristol Connecticut; daughter Kathy (Columbo) Kabrick, her husband Christopher of Mount Pleasant SC, grandchildren Matthew Kabrick of Atlanta, GA and Ryan Kabrick of Huger SC.

Joan is survived by her five siblings Kenneth Rockefeller of Narragansett, RI; Kathleen Wilmot and her husband Robert, of Ocala, FL; Ronald Rockefeller and his wife Joyce of Manchester CT, Vincent Gambacorta and his wife Mary Ann, of Ellington, CT; Edward Gambacorta and his wife Debra, of Conway, SC. She is predeceased by her niece Debbie Rockefeller and survived by nieces and nephews Susan Rockefeller Weigen, Steve Rockefeller, Martin Kincman, Cynthia Kincman Battiste, Michael Kincman, Karyn Rockefeller Dillon, Brian Rockefeller, Kimberly Gambacorta, Kevin Gambacorta, David Gambacorta and Jason Gambacorta.

As a sister, Joan adored her brothers and sister. As a mother, she taught her children to love deeply, work hard and leave your mark in this world by caring for others; as a grandmother she was illuminated by the love she was shared and even more by the love she received back. Her grandchildren meant everything to her. 

She found much solace and joy at Rhode Island beaches, tanning, watching the grandchildren build sandcastles, finding seashells, walking the water's edge, and watching the sunset. She adored raw oysters and coffee milkshakes. She loved arranging flowers, gardening and loathed when either died due to the changes of seasons or over/under watering. It was a privilege for her to create special birthday cards for friends and family to remind them how much they were loved and appreciated. She participated in the Manchester Senior Center ceramics program and cultivated many cherished friendships and created amazing works of art. She painted beautifully and from the deepest part of her soul. Holidays and special memories will continue to be reflected in each piece she created.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Sylvia Clarkson, Dr. Meron Selassie and Roper Hospice for their diligence, compassion and amazing care.

The celebration of her life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, she asked to have her friends and family send a plant or arrangement to someone you love.

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus, those who have fallen asleep.

-1Thes 4:14