Joan Shirley Price-Platt Pieretti, beloved wife, daughter, aunt, cousin, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 10th surrounded by love. She was a lifelong beacon of kindness, laughter, and grace.
Born to Dorothy May Price-Platt and Ellsworth Platt of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Joan was a devoted daughter who carried a deep love for her family and heritage throughout her life. Her brother, Robert, predeceased her.
Joan was married to Rudolph “Rod” Pieretti, and together they shared many years of family life and memories. She was a loving and proud mother to Roddy, Steve (Denise), Gary, Christopher (Timi), and Lisa (Albert Ganss), and she delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also treasured her roles as a caring sister, aunt, and cousin, cherishing the bonds that connected her extended family.
Joan had a sharp sense of humor, an easy laugh, and a gift for making people feel welcome. She got every joke, loved every person, and never failed to be kind. At family gatherings, she was the warmth of the party—singing along to jazz standards and show tunes, playing games, and making sure everyone left with a smile… and with leftovers from her kitchen.
As an adult, Joan cultivated a love for nature—tending lush gardens, delighting in birdsong, and finding peace in the beauty around her. She carried that same care into her community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Read Aloud Delaware, where she brought joy and encouragement to the children she read to.
Known for her timeless elegance, Joan was seen as an Estée Lauder aficionada—always camera-ready with flawless makeup and a radiant, genuine smile. Her polished style was matched only by her warm, welcoming, authentic spirit. She truly never spoke a discouraging word, often reminding those around her: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
Her faith was a constant source of strength and purpose. A longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church in North Wilmington, Delaware, Joan lived her values each day—with gentleness, generosity, and joy.
All are invited to visit with Joan’s family on Thursday, August 21, from 10 to 11a.m. at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE (302.478.7100). A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park, 333 W. County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA—Joan’s childhood hometown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Read Aloud Delaware (www.ReadAloudDelaware.org), a cause she cherished and humbly served.
Her laughter, kindness, pure spirit, and unwavering love will be deeply missed but will live on in the countless hearts she touched. She will be forever remembered.
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