Joanne (Harrington) Costa

Joanne Harrington Costa, 90, of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 18th. Born in Torrington on September 9, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Mary (Hayes) and George Harrington, who immigrated from County Tipperary Ireland in the 1920’s. She attended St. Francis School and graduated from Torrington High School. She was predeceased by her daughter Janice Costa, her sister Ann Harrington Dionne, and her brothers John, Tom, and George Harrington, each of whom was a military combat veteran.

Joanne was a successful business woman and had a number of ventures that she built from the ground up into successful operations. She established Lou Costa’s Restaurant with her husband, who was the restaurant’s chef. They sold the restaurant after operating it for several years, and she continued in a number of positions, including as the founder and manager of the Torrington branch of Jaci Carroll Personnel Services in Torrington. At Jaci Carroll, Joanne placed hundreds of people, including her nieces, in both temporary and permanent jobs in the area. In addition to her professional pursuits, Joanne was an active volunteer in a number of civic organizations, including as Secretary of the United Way, as a member of the Torrington Rotary Club, the Torrington Chamber of Commerce, the Quota Club, the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and was a volunteer for a number of other organizations.

Joanne is survived by her beloved sisters Mae Harrington Dinielli of Bristol, Kathleen Harrington Perrotti of Torrington, and Gayle (Robert) Blair of East Lyme; her beloved brother Patrick Robert Harrington of Goshen; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and great- great-nieces and -nephews; and her dear friend Ginny Nocera of Bristol. All would like to thank the staff at Valerie Manor, who took such good care of Joanne, ensured her dog Patrick was always with her, and appreciated Joanne’s upbeat and outgoing personality.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday Aug. 1 at 11 AM at Saint Peter Church in Torrington. Contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to The Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert Street, Torrington, CT.  www.phalenfuneral.com

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