JOSEPH R. CROCE

81, of Cranston, died October 2, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of sixty years to Giovanna "Jennie "

(Guercia) Croce, and the son of the late Joseph Croce and Briga Barone.

He was the devoted father of Joseph R. Croce Jr. and Robert Croce, Ret Deputy Chief of the Cranston Fire Department. He is survived by his loving wife, his sons, his daughter in-law Catherine Croce, and five loving grandchildren, Jacqueline, Joseph III, Jennifer, Kristian and Sarah Croce, a sister, Madeline Cardillo, and a great-granddaughter, Angelina. He was predeceased by two sisters, Annette "Nettie" Smith and Evelyn Carroll.

He was a former Councilman of the Fifth Ward; through his efforts, the Cranston Muncipal Court and the Fire Station in Western Cranston were established. Mayor Traficante proclaimed Thursday, April 23, 1987 as "Joseph R. Croce Recognition Day".

He was a member of the Teamsters Local 251 since 1948. He was a RI Deputy Sheriff for 20 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Providence County Deputy Sheriff's Association, a member of the Blue Knights RI -1 motorcycle club, and a member of the ACLU.

He wrote a column under the banner " In My Memories, I Can Always Go Home One More Time". He enjoyed climbing Mount Washington with his sons, white water rafting, flying his airplane, and riding his motorcycle, well into his eighties.

His funeral will be held on Saturday at 8:45 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rocco's Church, 927 Atwood Ave. Johnston at 10 a.m.
Interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
VISITING HOURS are FRIDAY from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.