Joseph B. Granata

WarwickJoseph B. "Red" Granata, 77, of Marine Avenue, died Friday at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Jennie (DeVincenzo) Granata. They were married for fifty-six years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph F. and Rachel (Murphy) Granata, he lived in Warwick for many years, previously living in Providence. Joe served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, assigned to the 102nd Air Squadron while stationed in Libya, North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked as a bus driver for the United Transit Corporation, now known as R.I.P.T.A., for seventeen years. During his driving career, he became affiliated with Twin Oaks Restaurant, in Cranston, and became one of their well known Maitre d's for nearly forty years, retiring in 2005. During his career in the military, as a bus driver, and maitre d, Joe developed a keen sense of respect for the many people he crossed paths with. That respect transcended into the love he displayed for his family, many friends, music, sports, antique cars, dancing, his pets, and genuinely being around people. Always willing to lend a supportive hand, in the late 1970's, Joe was instrumental in resurrecting the Rhode Island Amateur Baseball League and was the manager of the Twin City baseball team which had several victorious seasons. His main reason for reformulating the league was to give local teenagers a place to play baseball during the summer months. Beside his wife Jennie, he leaves a son, Joseph G. Granata and his wife Joanne; a daughter, Lynn A. Granata; two brothers, Daniel Granata and William Granata; two sisters, Carmella Workman and Elaine Williams; and two grandsons, Joseph C. Granata and Drew Granata. He was a brother of the late John Granata, Virginia Chiodo and Gloria Zito. The funeral will be held Wednesday, at 8:30 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rt117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours Tuesday, 4 - 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301 in his memory will be appreciated.