Joel Phillip Boodon

He will be deeply missed and is survived by his daughter Signe Watkin, husband Zack Watkin and grandsons Mason and Marshall; nieces Mickey, Suzi, Joey, Jannette, Jacqueline, and Katie; nephews Danny, Jesse, and Will; and many more family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Grace (McMahon); brothers John ‘Jack’ and James Paul; and Signe’s mother Ann.

Joel was born and raised in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and summers on the family farm in Calvert, Pennsylvania. Joel received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. He worked as a landscape architect for the City of Providence; served as director of parks and open spaces for the Mayor's Office of Community Development, served as co-designer for a rain garden installation at Riverside Park, served as a primary park representative for environmental planning, such as the Saving the Ponds in Roger Williams Park; partnered with local organizations like the Blackstone Parks Conservancy on park restoration, tree plantings, and bench installations.

Joel had a unique way of viewing the world and showed this by creating and encouraging others creativity. His true passion was photography. He took inspiration from family and friends, nature, urban environments, and photographers Sally Mann and Vivian Maier. He took a particular interest in restoring, editing, and digitizing old family negatives to ensure they lasted for future generations. There was never a moment where he did not have a telephoto lens or a cell phone camera in his hands.

He showed his love for family and friends through listening and meaningful conversation. His humor was contagious and witty. During his life other passions included walking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, cycling (member of Narragansett Bay Wheelmen), woodworking, listening to classical and jazz music, listening to Bob Dylan, watching movies, creating sculpture from a vast array of materials, researching family ancestry, and enjoying great food, espresso, and a Guinness with family and friends.

His memorial will be held at a time to be announced in Spring 2027.