Joan W. (Tasco) Astillero

Joan W. Astillero (nee Tasco), 91, of Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, surrounded by all of her children and their spouses.

Joan was the daughter of the late Charles and Alice Tasco and was born in Philadelphia, PA. She was educated in the public school system where she attended West Philadelphia High School.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Alfredo R, Astillero. They married at a young age and raised a family of five children together whom they loved dearly. The family became members of St. Barbara’s Parish in 1968 when they moved to the West Philadelphia area from Germantown. Joan remained a faithful member of St. Barbara’s Parish where her children attended grade school and long after they moved on. 

Joan enjoyed spending time with her family, both immediate and extended. Hardly a week would go by before the family was loaded into the car for a drive to South Philadelphia to visit her parents, siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joan was an avid self-made cook/chef. While Websters reserves the chef term for those who are formally trained, it defines cook as someone who follows recipes. Joan created and introduced her own twist to recipes, making her abilities more chef-like than cook-like. She was well known, near and far, for her cooking abilities. Folks would stop what they were doing and head to the Astillero home if they found out that she was cooking baked macaroni, sweet potatoes, or her signature potato salad recipe. Not only could she cook American Cuisine, but she also mastered Filipino dishes like Sinigang, Chicken Adobo, and Pancit just to name a few. Joan’s Pepper Steak, which is normally a stir-fry dish, was incorporated into a tall saucepan with gravy that would leave you begging for more!  

She leaves to celebrate her life well lived five children and their spouses Aurora, Ramon, Alfredo Jr. (Juanita), Angela, and Ricardo (Kim); cherished grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as “Mimi”; Miguel, Shanay, Ramon, Aaron, Nina, Alfredo III, Angelo, Ricardo II, and Amadeo; her great and great-great grandchildren; her brother Wilbur; many nieces, nephews, cousins and more. She was predeceased by her siblings Shirley, Charles, Harold, and Barbara, as well as a host of relatives.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing Saturday January 17, 2026, 10 AM at St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 and to her Funeral Mass 11am in the church. Burial will follow at Fernwood Cemetery 6501 E Baltimore Ave, Lansdowne, PA 19050.

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