Captain Joan Elaine St. Angelo, U.S. Navy, Retired, of Somerset, MA, a former Bristol, RI resident, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island on December 17, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Genaro "Jerry" St. Angelo and the late Josephine (Garvin) St. Angelo.

Ms. St. Angelo was a graduate of the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing - Class of 1953 and worked as a nurse in civilian practice in the field of orthopedics for nine years prior to entering the service.

She entered the United States Navy on March 6, 1962, and honorably served until her discharge on March 31, 1985, achieving the rank of Captain. She was a member of the first graduating class of hospital corps students.

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Boston University having graduated cum laude in 1968. Ms. St. Angelo earned a Master's Degree in Nursing Service Administration from the University of Iowa in 1974.

Captain St. Angelo served 23 years as a Naval nurse and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Her overseas tours included Guam, Newfoundland and Naples, Italy.

She was the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal (1978-1982), National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Medal (1982-1985).

She is survived by her brother, Wallace St. Angelo of Cranston, Rhode Island; her sister-in-law: Anna St. Angelo of Naples, Florida and three generations of loving nieces and nephews.

Ms. St. Angelo was predeceased by her parents; her best friend, Lieutenant Commander Dorothy Mae Barry, U.S. Navy and her siblings: Muriel Knight, Dorothy Hogan, Rita Coggeshall, Jere St. Angelo and James St. Angelo.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at North Burial Ground, Bristol, RI on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Burial will follow.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-7110.