March 29, 2024

Joseph Anthony DiRobbio

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Joseph Anthony DiRobbio, 92, of Mauran Avenue, East Providence, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in the presence of his loved ones. He had been the beloved husband of the late Evelyn (Evans) DiRobbio for seventy years.

Born in Providence, Joe was the son of the late Alphonse and Cecelia (Vessella) DeRobbio. He was a resident of East Providence for sixty-eight years and a communicant and volunteer at St. Martha’s Church. Joe was a 1947 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School and attended the University of Rhode Island. He was a veteran of the RI National Guard and the US Army of Occupation in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was a proud member of several organizations including the VFW, Italian-American War Veterans, Disabled-American Veterans, and Sons of Italy. Joe enjoyed a well-respected career at the US Postal Service in Providence for thirty-two years, retiring as a delivery analyst supervisor. He also enjoyed a post-retirement position delivering flowers for Carousel of Flowers in East Providence.

Joe DiRobbio was a true Renaissance man with many interests including gardening, reading, woodworking, golfing, bowling, fishing, story-telling, and remodeling his daughters’ houses. Many of his finest woodworking projects were compiled by his granddaughter into a book, “Oompa’s Creations.” Joe was known to have a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor. He was a warm, faith-filled man who will be greatly missed.

Joe and Evelyn met in 1949 and married in 1951. They lovingly raised three daughters and liked to travel.

Joe is survived by his daughters Carol Papino and her husband Carl of Cranston and Lori Hurley and her companion Glenn Robinson, Esq. of Barrington. He was the beloved father of the late Cynthia DiRobbio. He is also survived by his grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Matthew Papino and Susan Papino of Cranston; Jacqueline Wynn of Naples, FL; Andrew Papino of Melbourne, FL; Ryan Hurley of Seekonk; and Meghan Hurley of Worcester. In addition, Joe leaves three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters. To his grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Oompa,” a name that he cherished. Joe was also the dear brother of Mary Ann White of Tiverton and Rita Sand of Cumberland and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 9:00 AM from the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Martha's Church, Pawtucket Avenue. Burial with Military Honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours Sunday 3-5. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 would be deeply appreciated.

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