Joseph A. Agostinelli

Joseph A. Agostinelli, 87, of Cranston, passed away peacefully Friday, November 4th with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband to Peggy (Candelmo) Agostinelli for 54 years. He was the son of the late Nicola Agostinelli and Antonetta (Asciola) Agostinelli. Joe was the devoted Father of three daughters: Christine DiOrio (Michael), Lynn Sarazen (David), Susan Estrella (John), and the adored “Papa Joe” to his nine, cherished grandchildren: Jennifer, David, Mikayla, Sophia, Nicholas, Michael, Ava, Jack, and Connor. He was predeceased by his sister Irene (Agostinelli) Kelleher. Joe was admired by his entire extended family and friends.  His sense of humor, straight talk, and many stories will be greatly missed.

Joe graduated from LaSalle Academy and Manhattan College and began his career as a personnel specialist in the United States Army. He worked for the U.S Department of Labor in Washington DC before moving back to Rhode Island.  Joe founded Midland Records and the Pipe Den which grew to more than 40 stores. For a time, he owned The Echo Newspaper (The Italian American Voice of Rhode Island).  His knowledge and personality led him to public service where he was Chief of Staff to both Mayor Joseph Paolino and then to Governor Bruce Sundlun. He was a member and past president of the Aurora Civic Association where he created many everlasting friendships.

Joe was an avid reader, an excellent gin player, and enjoyed his cigars. Joe’s greatest legacy is the close-knit family that he created, always providing them with jokes, guidance, and good advice. 

His funeral will be held Thursday, November 10th at 8:45 AM from “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held at “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 PM.

Please consider donating to the Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

For online condolences please visit www.WoodlawnGattone.com