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Joseph Granata Obituary
Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph F. and Rachel (Murphy) Granata, he lived in Warwick for many years, previously living in Providence.
Joe served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, assigned to the 102nd Air Squadron while stationed in Libya, North Africa. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked as a bus driver for the United Transit Corporation, now known as R.I.P.T.A., for seventeen years. During his driving career, he became affiliated with Twin Oaks Restaurant, in Cranston, and became one of their well known Maitre d's for nearly forty years, retiring in 2005.
During his career in the military, as a bus driver, and maitre d' Joe developed a keen sense of respect for the many people he crossed paths with. That respect transcended into the love he displayed for his family, many friends, music, sports, antique cars, dancing, his pets, and genuinely being around people. Always willing to lend a supportive hand, in the late 1970s, Joe was instrumental in resurrecting the Rhode Island Amateur Baseball League and was the manager of the Twin City baseball team which had several victorious seasons. His main reason for reformulating the league was to give local teenagers a place to play baseball during the summer months.
Besides his wife Jennie, he leaves a son, Joseph G. Granata and his wife Joanne; a daughter, Lynn A. Granata; two brothers, Daniel Granata and William Granata; two sisters, Carmella Workman and Elaine Williams; and two grandsons, Joseph C. Granata and Drew Granata. He was a brother of the late John Granata, Virginia Chiodo and Gloria Zito.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, at 8:30 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rt. 117) Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Peter Church, 350 Fair Street, Warwick. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours Tuesday, 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301 in his memory will be appreciated. www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Granata
Lee Higgins
November 28, 2008
Sorry to hear about your loss. Joe was our coach for Twin City many years ago. It was always nice to see him at Twin Oaks and reminisce. We will miss him dearly.
Lee Higgins
November 28, 2008
Sorry to hear about your loss,Joe was our coach many years ago for Twin City. It was always nice to see him and reminisce when we went to Twin Oaks. We will miss him dearly.
Annette Casey
November 28, 2008
Dear Jennie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Joe. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Annette Casey (former co-worker from Erwin Pearl)
Francis J. Darigan, Jr.
November 27, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Granata Family on the death of a true gentleman, Joe. It was such a pleasure to be greeted by him at Twin Oaks over the many years he presided there. No matter how busy he was he always had time for a cordial "hello" whether you were a "regular" or (like myself) a more infrequent guest. He made all feel genuinely welcome. All this came naturally to Joe because he was a true gentleman and a people person extrodinaire. I know he will be missed by his lovely family and legion of friends. May all be comforted by the many warm thoughts and memories he engendered over the years. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Forte
November 25, 2008
With our Deepest Sympathy ,from the Forte family, Gilbert ,Ann, Glenn & James ,Diann Boyajian
Jean & Bruce Campbell
November 25, 2008
Auntie Jennie, Lynne, Joe, Joanne, Joseph and Drew,
No words can express the loss you are currently experiencing in your hearts. The bond of love and reflection will truly be your "consolation" during these challenging times. I sat last evening telling my son and husband how Uncle Joe would pick me up on his bus on my way to school. Occassionally, I would not have to pay my "fee" for riding the bus and I was always excited to get home and tell my mom her brother sent her his love and give her the kiss I promised to give. I was even more excited because that quarter I did not have to pay meant that I got 5 candy bars!
As I grew older I always looked forward to the love and kiss he would give me whenever our paths crossed. I recall how excited he was with the births of his grandsons and how proud he was of his son and his wife. He truly loved his wife and Lynne is the apple of his eye. While he may have come across as being too big to hug and kiss, I loved being enveloped in those bear hugs and kisses.
My mom and dad truly loved everyone in your family and so do I. I can only imagine the glorious welcome he received from Uncle John, Auntie Gloria, My wonderful mom and dad, Virginia and Rosario and his parents Joseph and Rachel.
Always remember--you, too, will be reunited with him because you are believers. My your hearts be softened with love by all the memories and lessons that you have of him. Love Jean-Marie, Bruce, Rebecca & Joshua
Meghan Crudele
November 25, 2008
My heart is truly saddened to learn of Joe's passing.
Joe was more than just a wonderful person; He was always so kind and considerate, and I always welcomed seeing him coming into Lindsay's Market.
I know that his passing will leave a void in your heart and the hearts of all those who knew him.
May God give you strength. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
Meghan Crudele (Lindsay's Market Employee)
Howard King
November 24, 2008
Joe was a regular in my store on Narragansett Pkwy for many years. It was always a pleasure to see him and I will never forget the kindness he showed to my daughter when she became terribly ill. His big heart will always be remembered.
Michael & Nancy Sepe
November 24, 2008
To the Granata Family - Joe was a wonderful part of dining at Twin Oaks - always a friendly smile to greet you. He'll be greatly missed.
With sympathy, Michael & Nancy Sepe and friends at North-Eastern Tree
Bill Crawley
November 24, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Carrie Helie
November 24, 2008
My deepest sympathies to each of you. My parents, Lil and Chick Helie, owned Lillian's Luncheonette on Potters Ave. in Prov. Red used to drive the bus that went through Dexter St., and would stop in and get a cup of coffee when he went by. May God give each of you His comfort and peace. Carrie Helie
wally pickford
November 24, 2008
Dear Granata Family: My late pal, Chuck Stevens, and I always enjoyed lunch at Twin Oaks, particularly our chats and chiding with Joe. No matter how gruff he tried to appear, that big, generous heart always ruled the day. I have no doubt that his "reservation" in Heaven has been properly announced. . .sort of a professional courtesy. God bless him; he was simply -- and colorfully -- a good guy.
Lorraine Gable
November 24, 2008
Elaine,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was my greatest neighbor.
Love,
Lorraine
Lorraine Gable
November 24, 2008
Jennie & Lynn,
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was the best next door neighbor ever.
Love,
Lorraine
Paul Hicks
November 24, 2008
To Jeannie and the Granata Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of "Joe". While he was a bit older than me we grew up in the same neighborhood, Joe on Plymouth Street and I, one block over, on Grand Street. I was quite close to Johnny and remember his father's UTC car parked in the driveway. I was what they call a regular at Twin Oaks and saw Joe regularly. Alway with a smile and a joke, he would cheer the day, whether it was playing tapes over the PA system to his unique way of hailing guest to their tables. It has been several years since I was a regular, but I always remembered Joe as a gentleman who liked to have fun. My prayers are with you and may you find more peace and strength with each passing day.
Sue Stenhouse
November 24, 2008
I am saddened to learn of your loss.
My deepest sympathies.
Mike & Agnes Manoogian
November 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 24, 2008
Please accept our deepest sympathies...our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Evelyn Ferrara and Delores D'Itri
Paul & Jean (Williams) Rice
November 24, 2008
Dear Granata Family
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
Our hearts & prayers are with you.
Roger Williams
November 24, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the entire Granata Family. Joe was such a great guy, I remember everytime he thought I made a bad call he would come and give me a big HUG and he would say " Rog, you missed it. Those HUGS will last a life time. He will be missed. Roger K. Williams
Johnny Vallante
November 24, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the entire Granata family ,Joe was a great guy and a lot of fun as I remember when I worked at Twin Oaks a very long time ago. May God bless you all and stay strong.
Johnny " Squeaky Vallante
TERRI IANNIELLO TEHRANI
November 24, 2008
MY SYMPATHY TO THE GRANATA FAMILY,FOR YEARS DINING IN TWIN OAKS IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE GREETED BY JOE.WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON.MAY GOD HOLD HIM TIGHTLY IN HIS ARMS.
william nicholson
November 24, 2008
allways a gentlemen you will be missed
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