Joseph E. Warburton

WARBURTON, JOSEPH E., 84, of Adams Street, Warwick, died peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2008 surrounded by his family at home. He was the husband of Florence R. (Gooden) Warburton.

Born in Providence, a son of the late John G. and Laura M. (Potter) Warburton, he lived in Warwick since 1951. He was a Navy veteran of World War II.

Mr. Warburton was employed with A. T. & T., now Verizon, for 30 years, retiring as a manager/supervisor in 1977.

He was a long-time member of the Quidnessett Country Club and the Pawtuxet Athletic Club, and was a coach for many years with Babe Ruth Baseball in Warwick. He was a co-founder, board member, and program director for the Warwick Junior Hockey Association. The 'Warburton Arena' at the Mickey Stevens Athletic Complex in Warwick was named in his honor. He was the recipient of the Volunteers Award from the National Hockey Association in 2001. His dedication to youth sports has positively influenced thousands of Warwick's young athletes.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Joseph E. Warburton, Jr. of Warwick; two daughters, Nancy M. DeSisto of West Boothbay Harbor, ME and Joan F. Warburton-Phibbs of Great Falls, VA; a brother, Fred Warburton of Wakefield; and two grandchildren, Emma L. Phibbs and Liam E. Phibbs. He was the father of the late Susan T. Warburton, and the brother of the late W. George Warburton, Jack Warburton, and Lt. Cmdr. Raymond Anderson, USN.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, September 18, at 9 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Visiting hours are Wednesday 5-8 p.m. Burial with military honors will be in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Warwick Junior Hockey Association, c/o 252 Longmeadow Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889, or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 169 George Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.