JOSEPH R. PELLETIER SR.

PELLETIER, SR., JOSEPH R. “PAPPY”, 81, Coventry, RI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Barbara A. (Charpentier) Pelletier in 2003. Born in West Warwick, he was a son of the late Joseph W. and Alphonsine M. “Phoebe” (Hebert) Pelletier.

After high school, Joseph served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant First Class in 1967. He went on to a dedicated 30 year career as a Manufacturing Representative at General Dynamics Electric Boat, specializing in the Nuclear Pipe World before retiring.

He loved spending quiet days at home working in the yard with his radio always tuned to “Willie’s Roadhouse”. As a hobbyist, Joe was a highly skilled woodworker. He enjoyed antiquing, refinishing and restoring furniture, wood instruments, and was the best unknown gunsmith. Joe discovered golf later in his life, but quickly became very passionate about the sport. Outside of Joe’s hobbies, his grandchildren were his world, never missing a wrestling match, softball game, and was always there to provide a comforting sweet treat. One of his examples of loving patience was evident when fishing and searching for sea glass with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his loyalty, selflessness, and determination. Joe’s last project was refinishing his family's heirloom highchair for the arrival of his first great grandchild. 

He was the caring father of Dawn M. Petrarca and her husband Doug, and Joseph R. Pelletier JR. and his wife Colleen, all of Coventry. Joseph was the adoring grandfather of Diana M. Petrarca, Joseph R. Pelletier III and his fiancee Alison, and Francis J. Pelletier. Great grandfather of Vienna Leslie.

He was the brother of Lorraine Lebrun, Aline Gardner, Alfred “Fred” Pelletier, Kathleen Bonang, Jeannie Friel, Kerin Gaudet, Carol Sutcliffe and the late Ronald Pelletier, Linda Vadeboncoeur, and Claire Stalaboin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Joe’s most recent top priority before his passing was his grandson,

Francis Pelletier’s recovery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory can be made to: 

www.gofundme.com/f/support-francis-pelletiers-road-to-recovery

Visiting Hours will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8:45 - 10:30 AM in the Iannotti Funeral Home at Maple Root, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Road (ROUTE 3), Coventry. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Saints John & Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry, RI. Burial with Military Funeral Honors to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. 

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