Springfield Police Officer Asked to be Pallbearer at a Funeral of a Women She Helped
Springfield, Mass. — On Friday December 9th a Springfield Police officer, Lindsay Tagliapietra, was called to a home on Wilbraham Road for a well-being check on an 88-year-old woman.
The caller was concerned about her elderly neighbor, Joann Ianello, who she had not seen in a few days. The neighbor keeps an eye on Joann and they became friends after living next to each other for several years. Joann lived in her home for more than 65 years. She had lived with her brother who passed away in early 2022 and had no other living family.
When Officer Tagliapietra arrived she noticed the mailbox was full and the doors were locked. With the belief that Joann was inside Officer Tagliapietra assisted the Fire Department who made entry in the home and found the 88-year-old on the floor in her bedroom alert, but in poor condition. Officer Tagliapietra and other first responders immediately provided first aid. Joann was then transported to Baystate where she made a partial recovery from her fall and was able to speak and eat on her own.
Sadly, a few weeks ago Joann passed away.
The neighbor who helped plan the funeral asked Officer Tagliapietra and Springfield Firefighter Lt. Dan Allard to be pallbearers at the funeral since it “would mean so much to Joann” and due to their professionalism and kindness they showed from the time they were called to Joann’s home and afterwards as well.
Joann will be laid to rest Friday, the funeral Mass will be at Our Lady Sacred Heart Church followed by a burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
This is also a reminder over these next two frigid days to check on your neighbors especially if they are older.
