Joseph E. Foley Colonel (Retired) United States Army

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mildred E. Foley. He was predeceased by his sister, Carol (Foley) Bedard and her husband, Norman. Joe attended Providence High School, where he played hockey and began a lifetime of love for the sport and support of the Boston Bruins.

COL Foley was a proud graduate of the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (RN), Providence College (BA), the Army Command and General Staff College, and California Coast University (MBA). He was commissioned into the United States Army, served in a Field Hospital in the Republic of Vietnam and rose through the ranks and positions of the military during his 34-year career. His service culminated in 1999 as the first and longest-serving (7years) Chief Nurse of the Army Reserve Command where he was responsible for 8500 Army Reserve RNs, 3500 Licensed Practical Nurses, and 14,000 Enlisted Medics. His education and experience laid the foundation for a life marked by compassion, discipline and purpose.

In addition to his military career, COL Foley also held positions as Nurse Manager of the Emergency Room and the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island.

He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, COL (Ret) Barbara Jo Foley. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and shared adventure, in Boston, Atlanta, Providence and Wilmington, NC. He was a proud and loving father to his daughter, Erin and husband Rick McGinn and to his son Patrick and daughter-in-law, Kristin. His greatest joy was being “Pa” to his cherished grandchildren, Matthew and Maeve, who brought immeasurable light and pride to his life.

Joe coached youth hockey and baseball in Seekonk, MA and served in many professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association, Association of Military Surgeons, Sigma Theta Tau International, Disabled American Veterans, and Providence College Alumni Association.

In North Carolina, a Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 27th at 11:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Castle Hayne, NC, a reception followed on site.

In Rhode Island, a graveside service with military honors will be performed at 11:00 AM Monday, May 18, 2026, at Rhode Island Veteran Cemetery in Exeter, RI. There will also be a reception following this service.

The following was written by Joe himself, prior to his death:

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in gratitude for the outstanding staff of Duke University Medical Center, Unit 9100 and the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Center in care of Dr. Louis F. Diehl.

Last but not least, I want to thank my son Patrick, for giving me the stem cells needed for a successful stem cell transplant, which extended my life [for 20 years].

GOD BLESS TO ALL

“There is a new wind blowing.

It sings to you and me

Of sacrifice and duty,

Of Truth and Liberty.

Forever may it keep our flag

Courageously unfurled . . .

And the flame of Freedom

Bright enough to light the world”

Love, Joe

COL Foley will be remembered for his steadfast love of family, his pride in service, his deep faith, and his enduring love for Rhode Island and his Irish roots. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the country he served and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.