JOSEPH P. PETRUCCI

Joseph P. Petrucci of East Greenwich, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Albert and Romilda (Carcieri) Petrucci and brother of the late Thomas E. Petrucci. A member of the US Army Signal Corps, Joseph attended US Army Electronics School in Ft. Bliss, Texas and Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey before graduating from Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey. During his service, he received a Good Conduct Medal and was commended as a Sharpshooter. Upon his honorable discharge from Ft. Hamilton, New York, Joseph was highly knowledgeable of military specs. As a Senior Equipment Design Specialist, he created airborne, ground and seagoing equipment for portable missile command centers, repaired FUIF equipment that relays tactical control data to Army Air Defense Command Posts and designed communication shelters for the Army. Spanning 41 years, Joseph's career ranged from working on the Nike Missile Air Defense System to the Patriot Air & Missile Defense System. Joseph worked for various military contractors, such as premier shipbuilder, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut and the world's largest producer of guided missiles, Raytheon Company, Lexington, Massachusetts. Recognized by his design contributions to the Kuwait Air Defense & Land Forces, Joseph retired from another top federal contractor in US Aerospace & Defense Industry: General Dynamics Corporation, Tactical Systems/C4 Systems Division in Needham, Massachusetts in 2006. Always a supporter of higher learning, Joseph furthered his education and became adept in CADDS 4X, VersaCAD and AutoCAD software. He was an extremely popular instructor who taught computer aided design and drafting to his students at the former Hall Institute of Technology, Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Joseph was a talented musician, with a keen appreciation for Big Band, Swing & Jazz. In addition to playing the piano, digital piano, keyboard, organ, synthesizer, xylophone and marimba, he also taught music lessons. For two decades Joseph performed in a band playing for numerous weddings and countless celebrations. Expressing varied interests, Joseph was an outstanding photographer as well as an ardent enthusiast of Classic Car shows. Known for his warm continual smile, a kind heart and easy going manner, Joseph was loved and respected by everyone. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 45 years, Diane V. Petrucci of East Greenwich, his daughter Heidi L. Petrucci of Western Cranston and his son, Darryl C. Petrucci of North Kingstown. A private memorial service with military honors was held at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, Rhode Island. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers donations to Bethany Home of Rhode Island, 111 South Angell Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 in his memory will be appreciated. Please visit www.nardolillo.com for online condolences.

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