Joseph Patrick Connors, 56, of Rumford and Narragansett, RI, passed away on May 15, 2025, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, with family by his side. Joe was born in Providence, RI on November 8, 1968, the son of the late Thomas and Barbara Connors. Joe was predeceased by his parents, father Thomas (1972), and mother, Barbara (2024), his brother Michael (2003), and sister in-law Kathy Connors (2009). Joe was born with Down Syndrome and overcame numerous medical challenges as a child. Defying all odds, and driven by his mother’s relentless energy, he thrived. Joe attended school in East Providence and achieved great success as a Special Olympian, as well as many other accomplishments. In 1984, at age 16, Joe made history when he became the first Down Syndrome person in the nation to serve as a United States Senate Page, after being appointed by then Rhode Island United States Senator John Chafee. At the age of 22, after earning 21 merit badges as a member of the Boy Scout Troop 88 Rumford, Joe began a community service project planning and organizing a clothing drive to benefit battered women. Joe then earned the rarely achieved status of Eagle Scout. As a Special Olympian, Joe excelled for forty years as a Rhode Island Special Olympian. He was given the high honor of lighting the Special Olympics torch at the 50-year Special Olympics Rhode Island Anniversary in 2018 and has always represented our State and the Special Olympics cause with passion and dignity. Joe was accomplished in swimming and cross-country skiing events and was inducted to the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. From 1997 to 2007 Joe served on the Board of Directors of the Special Olympics Rhode Island Committee and traveled across the country to attend Special Olympic events as a “Global Messenger”. Among his many accomplishments, Joe also worked at Stop & Shop for over 25 years, greeting customers, packing groceries, collecting carts, and socializing with neighbors and his many friends. In 1998, Joe was appointed as Officer of the Court of the East Providence Municipal Court, later serving as East Providence City Sergeant until his retirement in February 2020. As a longtime parishioner of St. Margaret's Church in Rumford, Joe was baptized, made his First Communion and received the Sacrament of Confirmation. You could often find him in the first row (sleeping) at Saturday afternoon mass. He loved summers at his family's beach home in Narragansett. Joe’s summers were spent on Narragansett Town Beach, on the Harbor Master boat enjoying Point Judith Pond, and being the “Mayor” of the Point Judith Yacht Club and the Eastward Look neighborhood. Joe spent his last five years living in the Curranbrook Group home, supported by The ARC of Blackstone Valley, where he was not just cared for, but truly treasured and embraced with love. He is survived by his siblings; Thomas Connors (Abigail) of Rumford RI, Karen Woulfe (Jim) of Murfreesboro TN, Eileen Donovan (Tim) of Orange CT, and Kevin Connors (Kathleen) of Narragansett RI. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces; James, Brian, Shannon, Chris, Dan, Mike, Kristyna, Jamie, Michaela and Catherine, as well as several grandnephews and grandnieces. An inspiration to all who knew and loved him, Joe consistently defied the odds with all of his life achievements. Joe’s noted quote read “To reach your goals, work hard, participate, practice and do the best you can.” Truly something he exemplified throughout his amazing life. Joe’s family would like to thank all the many friends, neighbors and family who supported, encouraged and helped Joe throughout his long and rewarding life. Special thanks to the team at Curranbrook who treated Joe like family for the past five years. To the incredible staff at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, who served Joe and his family with incredible grace, dignity and respect during his final days. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 22nd at 11:00 AM in St. Margaret Catholic Church, 1098 Pawtucket Ave., Rumford, RI. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence, RI. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM in the Manning-Heffern-O’Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage St. Pawtucket, RI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, www.hopehealthco.org and The ARC of Blackstone Valley, www.bvcriarc.org . Arrangements by Manning-Heffern-O'Neill, www.OneillFuneralHomes.com
