JOSEPH MATTHEW SERPA

SERPA, JOSEPH M., 77, of West Warwick, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 24, 2021 after a long struggle with Parkinson Disease. He was the devoted husband of State Representative Patricia A. (Petrarca) Serpa for 36 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Silva) Serpa. He was the cherished son-in-law of Constance and the late Adolph Petrarca.

Joseph graduated from Hope High School in 1962 and went on to serve in the Providence Fire Department for thirty two years, retiring in 1999 as the Dispatch Lieutenant at the Bureau of Operational Control. He was never boastful but Joe was extremely proud of his Fox Point roots and for having been awarded the PFD Badge #1 in 1996 for his dignified and professional service to the residents of Providence.

Joseph enjoyed golf, the casino, music and old movies. He cheerfully planned and organized annual golf vacations for large groups of fellow firefighters for more than twenty years.

In addition to his wife, he was the much loved stepdad of Domenic DiMasi and was affectionately called “Papa Joe” by grandson Gabriele DiMasi. He also leaves his sisters and brothers in law Lester and Linda Petrarca and Joanne and Robert Diggins. He leaves several nieces and a nephew. We have all lost a good man.

A Prayer Service will be Friday morning, December 31, 2021 at 10 am in the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd., Coventry. (Rte. 95, exit 6, Rte.3). Visiting hours Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 4 pm - 7 pm. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the West Warwick Teachers’ Alliance Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 462, West Warwick, RI 02893 would be appreciated. Please wear a mask. iannottifh.com

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