ATTLEBORO FALLS - Joy Elizabeth Rezza, 94, passed away Monday, December 27, 2021 at Life Care Center of Attleboro. She was wife of the late Joseph P. Rezza.
Born in Minneapolis, MN and was the daughter of David D. and Hilma Chase and the step-daughter of Esther Chase. After finishing high school, Joy left Minneapolis to join family in Massachusetts and remained here until her death. Like many young people who moved to the area, Joy found work at the Chocolate Factory in Mansfield, and later worked in the jewelry industry. In later, years, Joy managed the bookkeeping for her husband, Joe Rezza’s business, Boro Sand and Stone, Inc. As an only child, she always wanted six children, she didn’t quite get there, having four children, three boys and a girl. Joy enjoyed gardening, and loved a day of visitng yard sales. She was an animal lover and instilled that in her children. She would never turn down a stray kitten, dog and even a large New Zealand White rabbit. Joy was a home body. She enjoyed visits from her children and grandchildren; having a cup of tea and a pastry, playing board games, or making jig saw puzzles together. She instilled the love of reading to her grandchildren.
Joy is survived by her children and their spouses, Peter and Patty Rezza of North Attleboro, MA; Judith Petrillo Lafferty and James Lafferty of Groveland, MA; and Russell and Susan Brown of Niantic, CT; her grandchildren, David Brown and his wife Jordan; Adam Rezza and his fiancé, Tara Benczkowski; Craig Rezza, and Angela Rezza as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Joseph, she was pre-deceased by her son, John Petrillo and her former husband Harry Petrillo.
A Mass will be held at St. Mark’s Church, 105 Stanley Street, Attleboro Falls at 10 o’clock on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Attleboro Falls.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Lenore’s Pantry, North Attleboro Town Hall, 43 South Washington Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760 or LaSallete Shrine, Attn. Fr. Flavio, 947 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.