Joseph F. Zerega

82, of Exeter, RI, passed away on 1/29/2022 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Joe was born on 2/21/1939 in Queens, NY to  the late Augustin and Anne (McDonagh) Zerega.  After he graduated from Xavier High School in New York he relocated to Fort Lauderdale where he married his late wife, Linda Fischer and joined the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department.  After relocating to Quincy, MA in 1971 he operated multiple businesses and earned his BA at Boston University.  In the mid 1990’s he moved to Rhode Island where he met his beloved partner Jean Kent. They went on to spend their summers in Rhode Island and their winters in Jupiter, FL.   They shared many interests including their love for animals.  Together they created a life of joy filled with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren,  and their dogs and cats.  His legacy will also be remembered in his love for drawing and painting as he has left us many pieces of his artwork.

His life will forever be cherished by his three children: Sharon Giordani and her partner, Edward Hanratty,Terri Oriola and her husband Glen, all of Quincy, MA and his son Lance of FortLauderdale ,FL. His grandchildren Matthew Giordani and his wife Caroline of Quincy, MA, Michael Giordani and his wife Julie of Wakefield , MA, Jeff Giordani  and his wife Jacqueline of Weymouth, MA.,  Craig and Lynn Perrault , and Dean Oriola all of Quincy, MA.  His great grandchildren Nate, Jamison, Remi, Olivia and Lily.  His beloved partner Jean Kent of Exeter, Rhode Island and her children Jennifer (Kent) Procaccianti and her husband Neil of North Kingstown, RI, Christopher Kent and his wife Diane of Hanover, MA, and Jonathan Kent and his wife Lisa of North KingStown, RI.  Grandchildren Payton and Hunter Procaccianti, Jonathan and Liam Kent,  Morgan and Gavin Kent.   His beloved golden retrievers Tucker and Angus. He also leaves behind a special friend, Richard Pryor, of West Warwick. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Petrilli and her husband of Missoula, MT.  He is predeceased  by his sisters Marian Sheehan and her husband Dennis of Plantation, FL and Maureen Noe of Boynton Beach, FL.

His services will be private. Donations in his memory can be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation.