Joy M. O'Connell

Joy M. O'Connell, 85, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. She was born in October, 1940, in Rockaway Beach, New York, and spent her life nurturing those around her with warmth and kindness.

Joy dedicated eighteen years of her life as a daycare provider at the Fort Riley Child Development Center, where she touched the hearts of countless children and their families. Her passion for nurturing extended beyond her career, as she found immense joy in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was adorned with photographs capturing precious moments with her nine grandchildren: Melissa, Brittany, Quelebrian, Laurelin, Christina, Amanda, Raymond, Jr., Anthony, and Brianna. One great-granddaughter, Ava. Each picture told a story of love and pride, a testament to the deep bond she shared with her family.

Joy’s love was not confined to her grandchildren alone; it reverberated through her relationships with her daughters, Hope Bunton of Milford, Kansas, and Crystal Mauceri and her husband Raymond of Endicott, New York, as well as her son, George Pietri and his wife Maria of Glen Cove, New York. Her brothers Arnold Main of Franklin Square, New York, Jerry Main of Long Island, New York, and James Main of Houston, Texas. All in addition to countless nieces and nephews will also carry forward her loving memory.

In addition to her family, Joy cherished the daily phone calls with her best friend, Gari Hamden, of Louisville, Kansas. Their friendship was a source of joy and support, highlighting the importance of connection that Joy held dear.

Those who knew Joy were blessed by her nurturing spirit and her love for gardening and travel. Spending time in her yard brought her peace and a sense of accomplishment. Joy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States capturing the beauty and the adventure of life's offerings. 

Joy is preceded in death by her father William Stephan, her mother Jennie Main, her husbands, William Crowson, George Pietri, and Patrick O'Connell, her brother Denny Main, her brother Billy Stephan, her sister Christine Locke and her son-in-law Timothy Brunton. They welcomed her with open arms upon her passing, reuniting her with those she loved.

A viewing will be held on November 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Franklin Funeral Home, located at 42 New Hyde Park Road in Franklin Square, NY. A graveside service will follow at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale, NY, starting at 11:15 AM.

As we reflect on Joy's life, we remember her gentle spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and her caring nature that made the world a brighter place. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.