Joyce Zanchelli

WILTON - Joyce Zanchelli (Leavitt), age 94, of Wilton, NY, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her children Mark Zanchelli (Regina Adams), Lynn Tattersall (Robert), and Michael Zanchelli (Doris), half-sister Carol Dulak, stepsister Kathleen Tyrell, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Zanchelli, her father, O. Paul Leavitt, her mother, Marion Leavitt (Richardson), her stepmother Vera Leavitt, her sister Roslyn Robinson, and stepsister Sharon Chafee. 

Born on September 30, 1930 in Schroon Lake, NY, Joyce lived a long and remarkable life filled with faith, purpose, and joy. She was married to the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) Zanchelli for 73 years, a partnership grounded in love, respect, and adventure. She cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved looking at photographs and videos of their activities, adventures, and exploits. 

Joyce graduated from Schroon Lake Central School and earned a B.S. degree in English with a minor in music from the New York State Teachers College at Albany. She earned a Master’s Degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1976. 

A gifted educator, Joyce taught high school English for many years at Mepham High School, Baypoint Bluepoint High School, and Manhasset High School, leaving indelible impressions on her students. 

Her love of music and the arts was lifelong, and she loved visiting museums and listening to opera and classical music. A woman of deep faith, she was the organist and choir director at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Commack, NY, an elder and deacon at the Roslyn Presbyterian Church in Roslyn Heights, NY, where she was also the co-chair of the Local Causes Committee for 20 years. She was an active member of the Presbyterian-United Church of Christ, in Saratoga Springs, NY,where she gave generously of her time and spirit. Beyond the church walls, she devoted herself to social justice causes, including working with the Human Rights Commission in the 1960’s to identify racial discrimination in housing on Long Island, NY. Joyce was guided by her belief in inclusion, humanity, compassion, and equality for all. 

Together with her family, Joyce traveled extensively throughout the United States,Canada, and internationally, visiting New Zealand, China, much of Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Scandinavian countries. These journeys broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world. 

In retirement, Joyce remained active as Co-President of the Manhasset Retirees, Co-Chair with her husband Joe of the Young At Heart Adults (YAHA), and Class Counselor for alumni of SUNY Albany. In 2014, she was awarded, along with her husband Joe, the Excellence in Alumni Service by SUNY Albany.

Those who knew Joyce will remember her warmth, her conviction to social justice  causes and her ability to connect deeply with others. She was the best listener; she was never judgmental. She could always find the good in people, always approached every challenge with a positive, “can do” attitude, was always open to new thoughts and ideas. A service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 2:00p.m., at the Presbyterian-United Church of Christ, 24 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs,NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Presbyterian-United Church of Christ, Community Hospice of Saratoga County, and the Home of the Good Shepherd, Wilton, NY, in her memory.

Her life was a beautiful testimony to the power of love, learning, and service, and her spirit will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.