Joseph S. Menna

Joseph S. Menna, age 70, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 26, 2025, after a brief illness and hospitalization.

Joe was completely devoted to his wife of 43 years, Margaret (Peggy) Mottola Menna and adored his daughter, Kristen M. Varone and his son-in-law, Ryan. The light of Joe’s life was his grandson, Joseph Richard Varone, who lovingly called him “Papa Joe-Joe”. Joe was the son of the late Joseph A. and Lottie (Lettieri) Menna. He is survived by his siblings, Stephen P. Menna of Haines City, FL, Raymond M. Menna of Cranston, and Lauren (Steven) Sousa of Chocorua, NH. He is also survived by his aunt, Agnes (Anthony) Mancini, and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Richard “Doc” Mottola, and was loved immensely by his 91-year-old mother-in-law, Lillian A. Mottola, in-laws, nephews, and life-long friends.

Joe was a dedicated employee of North Safety Products/Honeywell for 47 years, having retired in 2020.

In his teenage years, he was very active in CYO where he was embraced and loved by all who met him, especially the late Frank and Jackie Sinapi, who were like second parents to him. During a Search for Christian Maturity in February 1973, he met Peggy, though they wouldn’t date until years later, selecting February 21st as their wedding date because it coincided with the date when they first met. The Search program also led to his lifelong friendship with his best buds, Anthony (Barrel) Marrapese and Steve Maurano, who considered him a brother.

Joe was the quintessential Bruce Springsteen fan, having attended the first Rhode Island concert at URI’s Keaney Gym on March 18, 1973. He knew the songs, lyrics, and concert playlists. He shared his love for music with his wife and daughter, and spent many hours driving Kristen and her young friends to concerts. 

His love for good music (whether rock or jazz), any type of sporting event, and any food with red sauce on it, was well known. He spent many years playing softball and target/trap shooting. His happiest moments over the past two years was spending time with his beloved grandson and namesake, Joseph.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 1, 2025, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Dr., Cranston. Family and friends are invited to go directly to the church. There will be a receiving line starting at 9:15 am, with Mass starting promptly at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joe’s memory to the American Diabetes Association, or to a charity of your choosing.