Joseph A. Zwetchkenbaum

Joseph "Joe" Allen Zwetchkenbaum, age 92, died peacefully on March 5, 2026 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He lived in Providence for more than 50 years, most recently at Wingate Residences. He was born in Providence, RI on June 12, 1933 to the late Edward and Matilda (Chudnovsky) Zwetchkenbaum.

Joe grew up in Taunton, MA and had fond childhood memories of sailing at his family’s summer home in Barrington, RI. A spirited youth with a fondness for playing pranks on his two younger sisters, Joe’s parents sent him to Valley Forge Military Academy in PA where he developed leadership qualities that lasted a lifetime. After graduating high school there, he enrolled at Boston University, where he received his business degree in 1955. In his sophomore year, while attending a play at nearby Wheaton College, he met the student actress playing the part of a rooster. That “little bird” was the love of his life, Rissy (Morrisa Basseches) Zwetchkenbaum, to whom he was happily married for 70years until her death in October 2025.

After graduation, Joe joined and later led his family’s business, the New York Lace Store in Pawtucket founded by his grandparents Pincus and Rebecca Zwetchkenbaum, and later headed by his father Edward. Joe’s long and successful career in retail management included being president of Warwick and Coats Field Shoppers Worlds in RI and eastern MA in the 1960s and early ‘70s, and developing Wampanoag Mall in East Providence, along with other shopping centers. Always prescient about business trends, in the 1970s Joe recognized that big box retailers would eventually overtake smaller family chains, and sold Warwick Shoppers World to Zayre Corp. He went on to co-found Retail Recruiters and Spectra Professional Search, which, under his leadership, became one of the largest retail recruiting businesses in the country with a base of 25 franchisees. Perhaps the most special part of Joe’s notable career was his last chapter, where he partnered with his son, Marc, in the legal placement business, with offices in Boston and Providence. Post-retirement, Joe continued to provide Marc with invaluable business advice and guidance.

Joe and Rissy had an unshakable bond, and were “couple goals” before the phrase existed. Some of his favorite activities with Rissy were traveling, golfing at Ledgemont Country Club, and enjoying delicious home-cooked meals and dinners at Rhode Island’s superb restaurants. Joe and Rissy enjoyed spending winters in Palm Beach, FL, where they would eagerly await back-to-back visits from their children and grandchildren, and enjoy time with dear friends.

Joe’s beloved family was the core of his life. He enjoyed cheering on his New England sports teams with his children and grandchildren, an event made all the better when his favorite chicken wings were served. He imparted to his children and grandchildren a straightforward wisdom, impeccable work ethic, cheeky sense of humor, and a genuine gratitude for an opportunity-rich life. He was the devoted father of Rebecca Z. Segal (Valerie Shulock) of Newton, MA; Marc Zwetchkenbaum (Linne Kimball) of Newton, MA: Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum (Kimberly Chazan Zwetchkenbaum) of Providence RI; and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum (Deborah Carr) of Providence, RI. He was the proud grandfather of Sara Cote (Eddie); Eddy Segal (Corie); Nathan Shulock (Sarah Harney); Michaela Berla-Shulock (Cate Streissguth); Jill K. Malpiede (Ted); Charlie Zwetchkenbaum; Alex Zwetchkenbaum (Kathryn); Abby Z. Gibson (Ben); and Drew Zwetchkenbaum (Sydney Silver). He is great-grandfather to Leo, Joey, Quinn and Jesse, who was born the day after Joe’s passing. He also cherished his dear sisters Barbara Z. Poplack (the late Dr. William Poplack) and Susan Z. Levy (Judd Levy), extended family, and friends. Joe will also miss the wonderful team of caregivers and assistants who kept him safe and happy in his final months, especially Gabby, Patricia, Craig, and Delfy. His family is grateful for their kindness and support.

Joe will be missed by those who loved him. He will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, humility, sense of humor, deep capacity to express his love and appreciation for his family, and ever-youthful twinkle in his eye.

His funeral will take place Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery. A shiva at the home of John and Kim Zwetchkenbaum will follow at 3-6 pm on Monday, and at the home of Rebecca Segal and Val Shulock in Newton, MA on Tuesday March 10 from 5-8 p.m., and at the home of Marc Zwetchkenbaum and Linne Kimball in Newton, MA on Wednesday March 11 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.

Donations in Joe’s memory can be made to, The Miriam Hospital Foundation, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901 or Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence, RI 02906

To join the service virtually, please use: https://www.temple-beth-el.org/live-streaming or the link below.