Joy Geria Sinise, age 82, of Norwalk, CT, passed away November 30, 2017, just short of her 83rd birthday, at Norwalk Hospital, following a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Joy was born in Mount Kisco, NY to Andrew Geria and Mary Brennan Geria on December 14, 1934. Because she was born before Christmas, her parents named her Joy, a name that suited her well because she brought joy to the lives of all that she touched. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, David Sinise, Jr. of Norwalk, CT. She leaves behind quite a legacy with her five devoted sons and their families: Alan Sinise of Stratford, CT; Steven Sinise and his wife Mary of Trumbull, CT; Jeffery Sinise and wife Missy of Bloomsbury, NJ: David Sinise and his wife Krissy of Stratford, CT; and Mark Sinise and his wife Lisa of Trumbull, CT. Joy cherished her nine grandchildren and was fiercely protective of them. In order of birth they are: Matthew Sinise, Jenna Sinise, Christopher Sinise, Katie Sinise, Sarah Sinise, Shane Sinise, Kara Sinise, Isabelle Sinise, and Domenick Sinise. Joy was predeceased by her half-brothers, Domenic Geria of Harbor City, CA and Larry Brennan of Brewster, NY and she is survived by her half-siblings, Andrew Geria of Cooper City, FL and Cynthia Geria of Wendell, NC. She will be missed by their rescued sheepdog, Murphy, who also reaped the rewards of her mothering instincts.
Joy was raised by her grandparents in Greenwich, CT and attended Greenwich HS. She met her husband Dave when he was in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Long Island during the Korean war. A friend of Dave’s that he met in the service would bring Dave to his family’s home in Greenwich during their military leaves. It was during these stays with his friend’s family that Dave met Joy and they fell in love. They became engaged on the night of her high school graduation. After the wedding, Dave’s occupation moved them around a bit, until the couple settled in Norwalk, CT, where they have lived for the past 50 years. Joy took her job as a wife and mother very seriously. As Dave says, “I worked and brought home the money and she made it work.” Joy was extremely bright and ran a tight ship. Her budgeting skills could have solved the national debt and she affectionately earned the title “Coupon Queen” long before coupons were popular. She was a self-taught cook and to this day, no one has been able to match her sauce or her cheesecake. Joy was never one to wear her heart on her sleeve, but all felt her love just the same and she will be remembered for her giggle, grace, kindness, impeccable dress, cooking, and strength.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 11:00 AM in St. Thomas Church, 203 East Ave, Norwalk, CT. Interment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT. The family will hold a reception to celebrate Joy’s life following the burial; the venue will be announced after interment. Donations in her name may be made to: Cure Pancreatic Cancer – The Lustgarten Foundation at www.lustgarten.org.