Joseph T. Stankiewicz of Little Compton, RI, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 after a brief decline, just shy of his 99th birthday. Born in Targowica, Poland, he was the son of Thomas and Maria (Medynsky) Stankiewicz.
Joe had endured many hardships in his early years. At only 7 years of age his father died due to poisoning during wartime. He was transported to Siberia at the age of 16, when his home was invaded in 1940.
Joe was a Sr. Sergeant in the Polish Division of the Royal Air Force and served from 1942-1947. In 1947 he married Irene in Totnes, England and joined he in America in 1948 then settled in Little Compton which he called God's country. They had a son Joseph in 1949. He became a citizen in 1951 and was very proud to be a part of this country. He welcomed a daughter Marilyn in 1956.
Education was very important to him and in 1972 he earned his first class fireman license, then becoming a third class engineer in 1975, there was nothing he couldn't do.
In 1979 he married Stefania (Wieczorek) who alongside Joe continued to beautify their home.
Joe was an honest, intelligent, witty, and proud man who excelled in all of his ventures. He was labeled an immigrant by some who are ignorant in their thoughts. America was built by strong smart people like Joe, who cared for their community. Joe was a self taught stone mason who's fireplaces and stone work grace many a home in the area.
He loved seeing his great grandchildren who always made his smile and even danced with them.
Joe was predeceased by his wives Irene in 2015 and Stefania in 2019.
He leaves behind a son Joseph and his wife Susan and their children Jennifer and Andrew, a daughter Marilyn Hill and her husband Dave and their children David and his wife Leah, their children David, Elizabeth and Daniel and his son Mason. Debra Brzoska and her husband Chris, their children Hallie and her husband Mike, son Quentin, daughter Dakotah, Saidi and Everlie. Darlene Goodreau and her husband Greg and their daughters Gwendolynn and Evangeline. Joe also leaves an adopted grandson Dylan Pauls.
Special thank you to the Visiting Nurses.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, July 22, 2022 from the Potter Funeral Home at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Little Compton at 10:30 A.M.
Calling hours Thursday from 6- 8 P.M.
Interment in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Little Compton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Little Compton Food Bank, 115 E. Main Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837, Visiting Nurse Home Care Hospice, 1184 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871 or the Little Compton Police Dept., 60 Simmons Rd., Little Compton, RI 02837.