Joseph A. Joel
WE LOST OUR HERO~
Joseph A. Joel, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and proud WWII Veteran, passed away on July 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving children at the remarkable age of 100.
Born on October 5, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, Joseph was the son of the late Joel Joel and Leah Meyer Joel. From a young age, he was guided by a strong sense of family, respect, responsibility and perseverance – qualities that defined his extraordinary life.
Joseph was a 1942 graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School. Joseph also attended and graduated from Johnson & Wales Business School with a degree in accounting and management, in 1954.
Professionally, he was the devoted Director of the Providence Civic Center Box-office for thirty years.
In addition to his beloved wife of 72 years, Sandra Waldman Joel ז”ל, Joseph is survived by his devoted and loving children: Linda (Joel) Licker, Steven (Judith), Nancy (Barry ז”ל) DeSaint, Paula Joel, James Joel, and a brother, M. William Joel.
He was the cherished grandfather of Elizabeth, Jeffrey (Angela), T.J., Jennifer, Stacey (Alex), Jo-Ellen (Gary), Jonathan and Andrew, and the adored great grandfather of Gian, Lillian, James, Jolie and Gia, who will carry forward the lessons he taught by example: integrity, respect, humility and kindness.
Joseph was pre-deceased by his siblings, Frances Liebling, Bette Pesacov; Julius Joel and Marilyn Schonfield.
Joseph was a decorated WWII Veteran who served his country with honor and bravery. He was awarded both the Bronze and Silver Stars for his heroic service; recognitions that spoke to his courage, leadership and unwavering dedication.
Joseph will be remembered for his immense love for family and friends, his infectious smile and laughter, his wisdom, caring nature and his harmonica songs which delighted everyone he played for. “You are my Sunshine,” “Oh! Susanna” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” were his favorites.
We invite you to join us in paying your respects and sharing a quiet moment of reflection from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at:
Temple Sinai,
30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston RI 02920
Joseph’s funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at:
Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery
301 South County Trail, Exeter, Rhode Island 02882
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph’s Joel’s memory can be made by accessing The Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub website at www.rihonorflight.com
Shiva will be held in private.
10 Comments
Leave a Condolence
Contact
Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Dear Joel family,
Thinking of you all as I fondly remember your Dad. He was a wonderful guy, handsome too! I remember spending time at your home as a kid and thinking he was such a sweet and gentle man. His love for all of you was deep and obvious. Honoring his service, love of family, and his longevity. A wonderful human being. May his memory be a blessing!
Much love ,
Anne
Paula, Jonathan, Andrew, and entire Joel Family:
My sincerest condolences to you all. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Joel on several occasions at Paula’s house. What a gentleman who was so welcoming and kind. May your memories be of comfort to you in this time of sorrow. You are all in my prayers.
With sympathy,
Kelly
The most patient, generous, forgiving and caring man I ever met.
A mentor for me!
Sincere condolences to the lovely family he watched over with love.
Dear family,
We are saddened at the passing of our dear Uncle Joe. Our thoughts and condolences are with you at this sad time. We have many fond memories of times spent together in celebrations throughout the years.
Art &Anne
Dear Joel family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Mr. Joel was such a wonderful man and has left a great legacy. I can still see him coming to the nursery school to pick up his grandchildren, always kind, gentle, and pleasant. He was a true gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincerest condolences,
Jackie and David Hersey
Dear Paula, Jonathan, Andrew, and the entire Joel family:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the passing of Joe. I have very fond memories of working with him at the Providence Civic Center. Joe was always smiling and could always make me laugh! Rest in sweet, eternal peace double J. You will be missed.
Tammy and Bob Egan
Joe was one of the kindest, gentle men I have had the pleasure to know. I would often see him and Sandra at my Howard Johnsons on Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. Joe never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Joe was dedicated to Sandra and it showed. My deepest sympathy to his family.
The entire Joel family,
Joe and I worked together at The Providence Civic Center many years ago. Joe was a wonderful mentor to me. He was exactly as the obituary described him, a sincere family loving man with character and integrity. He will be missed.
Jim Nagle
It was so delightful to have and care for you Joe at Wingate. I know you’re in God’s arms with a bright smile shining through.
My condolences to your family.
Continue to rest in peace.
So sorry for the loss of this gentle giant; we remember him fondly. He was such a loving father and grandfather and devoted husband. May his cherished memory be a comfort to you all during this difficult time.