Joan Epifano Chiota, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 25, 2010 in her home in Fairfield, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born in Bridgeport, daughter of the late Philip and Linda Colello Epifano and spent her adult life in the Stratfield section of Fairfield. She was predeceased by her husband, Atty. John P.Chiota, Jr., her daughter, Linda Chiota Alex, her brother, C. Philip Epifano, her sister and brother-in-law, Alice E. and Kenneth Zarrilli, and her granddaughter, Kendra Chiota Payne. She is survived by her devoted children; Hon. John P. Chiota and his wife, Diane of Trumbull, Patricia Chiota and her husband, Richard Payne of San Francisco, CA; her son-in-law, Paul Alex of Fairfield, six grandchildren and their spouses: John E. Chiota and wife Lynn of Fairfield; Christopher Chiota and wife Jennifer of Southborough, MA; Gregg Chiota and wife Meghan of Norwalk; Kathryn C. Dresch and husband Brian of Trumbull; John Alex and wife Stephanie Martin-Alex of Brooklyn, NY and Christina Alex of New York City; her sister, Ann E. Kochan of Easton, as well as 8 (9) cherished great grandchildren and many dear nieces, nephews and cousins. Joan was the co-founder of Fairfield County Reach to Recovery Program, an American Cancer Society volunteer service for breast cancer survivors and was honored by Governor Rowland for her many years of dedicated service to this cause. She was a graduate of Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield and the College of New Rochelle in NY and was a Life member of the American Association of University Women. Joan was also a member of the Bridgeport Garden Club. She belonged to the Black Rock Yacht Club and the Fayerweather Yacht Club. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 10:00am meeting directly at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield   with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on Monday 4:00pm – 8:00pm at the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chiota Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851-1543 (www.fccfoundation.org). To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com