Joseph Emilio Femino

Joseph Emilio Femino, age 100, of Smithfield, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026. He was the son of the late Guiseppi and Guiseppina (Isgro) Femino; the loving husband of the late Gloria M. (Esposito) Femino; the beloved father of Joseph R. Femino and his wife Elizabeth, Michael R. Femino, and Ralph R. Femino; the cherished grandfather of Shanna Douillette (Michael), Elizabeth Medeiros (Ryan), Amanda Femino (Mark), and Mia Femino; the adoring great-grandfather of Giada Medeiros, Rocco Medeiros, and Mark Sacco; and the brother of the late Domenic “Dick” Femino, Susie Mele, and Rose Masso.

Joe proudly served his country as a shipfitter in the United States Navy during World War II. At the age of 26, he married his sweetheart, Gloria, and together they settled in Providence, where they raised their three sons.

After the war, Joe was employed at Hood, where he worked for over 30 years maintaining equipment and delivering milk. Prior to retiring, he spent 15 years working for the State of Rhode Island Department of Health.

Joe, known affectionately as “Papa” to his family and friends, was a gentle, unassuming man with a great sense of humor. A good week for Papa included finishing a complex jigsaw puzzle, designing and building beautiful furniture in his woodshop, scouting thrift stores and yard sales for the best bargains, sitting by the campfire at his beloved campsite, and ballroom dancing with his many friends and loving wife. Above all, Papa valued time spent with his family. He treasured moments with his granddaughters and was happiest playing with his great-grandchildren.

Although Papa’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love, honesty, and integrity in all that we do.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at the Pontarelli-Marino Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 280 Hawkins Street, Providence. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, which provides housing, employment, and support services to veterans in need.