Joseph F. DeMeo, 95 passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 27, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Michael and Lucy (Guglielmo) DeMeo.
Joseph leaves his sons Joseph DeMeo, Jr. of San Francisco, Albert “Bick” DeMeo and his wife Peggy Olsen, Stephen and his wife Betty Ann DeMeo and Stanley whom he lived with in Johnston and his longtime companion Stella D’Onorio. Joseph also leaves his grandchildren Felicia Christensen of Portland, Oregon, Stephen DeMeo, Jr. and his wife Sheena whom he always called Cheyenne. He also leaves his granddaughter Nina and her husband John Rathbun. He was the loving great-grandfather to Lexi Clawson and Michael Rathbun. He leaves his brother Arthur DeMeo and his wife Carmella of North Providence. He was predeceased by brothers Albert and Vincent. Joseph leaves nieces and nephews and their children with whom he loved talking to.
Joseph attended St. Mary’s School, St. Theresa's School and LaSalle Academy. He served in in World War II in the Naval Air Corps as a machine gunner in the top turret.
Joseph worked for Narragansett Electric for 48 years, was as Scout Master of Troop 10 St. Rocco’s which was one of the largest scout troops in the country. He was awarded the Bucklin Medal for long and faithful service in scouting. Many friendships and forever memories were made with Troop 10.
A lifetime Providence College Friar Basketball fan, he enjoyed and shared many stories with his Friar group of friends who were always working to get the latest scoop on recruiting.
A communicant of St. Rocco’s Church all his life, Joseph had his daily prayers that he said faithfully, many times having to reprint them from years of use. And finally, Joe loved watching Blue Bloods every day along with his buddies. His favorite line, when there was trouble at the Regan family dinner, Gramps would always say, please pass the potatoes. Papa Joe loved it.
His funeral will be held Tuesday at 9am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am in St. Rocco Church, 927 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919. A graveside burial with Military Honors will follow in the RI Veteran’s Cemetery, Exeter. Visitation Tuesday 8-9 am. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to St. Rocco Church.