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Joseph Proia Obituary
Joseph M. Proia
Uxbridge – Joseph M. Proia, 69, of Uxbridge was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sunday September 8, 2019 in Oxford. He was the husband of Jane A (Black) Proia.
Joe was an industrial arts and special needs teacher in the Hopedale Public School System for 20 years. He was also the "Supreme Leader" of Ironstone Ventures and was the owner, chief mechanic and instructor from 1994 – 2014. He was also a motorcycle Rider/Coach from 1982-2014.
Mr. Proia was born in 1949 in Attleboro the son of the late Rocco and Linda (Laninfa) Proia and was a graduate of Attleboro High School and earned his Master's Degree in Education from Rhode Island College in 1979.
Joe was an accomplished educator and motorcyclist. He was a generous, witty and dedicated individual who loved riding and was passionate about motorcycle safety. He was a member of the riding community and was the Treasurer of the Worcester County Motorcyclists Survivors Fund and a member of the Uxbridge Friends Meetinghouse.
Joe loved life and has traveled throughout the world. He loved music, science, working with his hands, and his dogs.. He was a true "Renaissance Man".
In addition to his wife Jane of 48 years, he is survived by two brothers, Bernard and his wife Lucille Proia and Rocco and his wife Happy Proia all of Attleboro and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a dear friend Marc Richard of Douglas.
Visiting hours will be held on Fri. Sept. 13, 2019 from 4-7 pm in the BUMA FUNERAL HOME, 101 North Main St. (Rt 122), Uxbridge.
Funeral services will be held on Sat. Sept. 14,2019 at 11 AM in the funeral home.
Please omit flowers and memorial donations may be made to the Habitat for Humanity, 640 Lincoln St., Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605 or to the Blackstone Regional Animal Shelter, c/o Town of Blackstone, 15 St. Paul St., Blackstone, MA 01504. bumafuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Proia
Sponsored by Buma Funeral Homes - Uxbridge.
Thomas Hilts
May 3, 2024
To me his was called " The Wizard " and I was known as Brother Love. I will miss his joyful nature and practical wisdom. See you on the other side brother.
George Santa Cruz
September 9, 2021
Two years after...gone but not forgotten.
Best regards to you, Jane.
edward cornell
September 8, 2021
Hard to believe it's been two years. Like many others at the pool we miss Joe and still think of him
james McIntosh
July 22, 2020
Jane: Back in 2001 when Joe let me go to Europe with him, I was in Heaven. A dream come true. I brought my oldest Son James & Andrea was with us. Joe made out trip! Thank you for such a good Man! I was a student and a Biker. We are all so Lucky to have known Joe P.
George Santa Cruz
September 29, 2019
Dear Jane,
My sincere condolences.
George Santa Cruz
September 29, 2019
Dear Jane,
My sincere condolences
Paul Vicario
September 18, 2019
Dear Jane,
We are so sorry to hear about Joe. We just found out about him. I always looked forward to seeing you and Joe. He was the best! My prayers are with you. God bless.
Diana (Dee) Pierce
September 18, 2019
Friends since we were in Junior High here in Attleboro, Joe added a lot of fun, spice, and laughter, making an ordinary day extraordinary. It wasn't until our 50th Class Reunion in 2017 that we hooked up again, and it was as if there had been no time lapse at all. We continued with our giggling, joking and even some philosophizing belying our actual age of 67! Jane, I am so sorry that Joe is no longer with us in the physical world, but hope that you feel his spirit as alive and well. God bless you and your whole family as you get through this difficult time.
~ Dee Airey Pierce
September 18, 2019
Dear Jane and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Joe, we just found out, our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a sweetheart and I looked forward to seeing you both every year and giving Joe his zeppole on St. Joseph's Day. My heart goes out to you for your loss.
Love and God Bless,
Jan xoxo
Kim Moreau
September 15, 2019
My deepest sympathy to the Proia family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
rick dowden
September 15, 2019
I live next door to Joe and Jane for twenty years. I could never ask for two better people for neighbors. Every time I was cutting my lawn Joe would come over and we would smoke a few cigs and shoot the breeze for a while or if I saw him working in his shop I would go see him just to hang out for a while. We always had a good laugh and if one of us was having a bad day we could vent to each other and I always felt better after spending time with Joe. Joe was my friend .
Cindy Dowen
September 13, 2019
I was one of the many lucky students that was in Joe's Metal Shop Class 40 yrs ago at Hopedale High School. I can t say how much, Joe was more than just our Metal Shop teacher to us, he was a mentor and a person we could share things with like we would a guidance counselor. He was one of the most popular and loved teacher to all of us. He told us like it was no holden back his opinion or suggestions he gave us his guidance and support. I feel that I speak for all of us, who were lucky to have Joe as our teacher. We have lost a great man, a friend, and an inspiration to high school students. Heaven has gained a true Angel. We love you Joe and thanks for all the memories your Hopedale High School Kids. We will never forget and cherish the time we had with you.
Diana Swanson
September 12, 2019
Dear Jane and family...I have so many good memories of Joe back in the day. I remember his spirit, sense of humor, faithfulness to friends and his passions. I remember when you met him and how much you loved him. What a wonderful legacy. Love, Diana
Allan Paradis
September 12, 2019
Jane...I have so many fond memories of my time riding trails with you and Joe. The three of us in the front seat of your guys' Toyota pickup with our motorcycles in the bed of the truck way back in the day. Joe will be solely missed by all who knew him. Take care...Al Paradis
September 12, 2019
Jane,
Thinking of you
as you mourn the lost of someone you love.
Hoping with time,
a gentle peace will return to your life.
Like many others I miss him already.
With deepest sympathy,
Edward Cornell
Brook Chipman
September 12, 2019
Karen and I are sorry for your loss Jane. Joe was a gifted, warm person, who was a pleasure to have known personally, and a privilege to have worked with to improve motorcycle safety in Massachusetts. May the fond memories of Joe sustain you, and all the others whose lives he impacted so positively.
September 12, 2019
Dear Jane and Proia family,
We were so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. We're sure he will be missed by many. We hope your fond memories of him will bring you some consolation at this very difficult time.
Mario & Madeleine Manfredi
September 11, 2019
We only met Joe once but we knew right away that he was a special person. What a tragic loss. Our prayers to his family. The Malone family
Don Colanton
September 11, 2019
As a former student of Joe's in motorcycle training, along with my wife, a swimming classmate with Joe at the Community Center, We offer our prayers and deepest sympathy on your loss.
Don and Maryann Colanton Mendon MA
Jamie Kinney
September 11, 2019
The world has lost a good man. Joe had a kind heart, generous spirit, wicked sense of humor, ambition and a drive to help others. He touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives in his time. After a lifelong friendship, I will miss him deeply. Jane, I am so sorry for you. Pe
Jack Novia
September 11, 2019
Jane I am so sorry for your loss. You and Ladywoods have a special place in my heart
Charleen Haringa
September 11, 2019
Jane I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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Memorial Events
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Sep
13
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Buma Funeral Homes - Uxbridge101 North Main Street (Massachusetts Route 122), Uxbridge, MA 01569
Sep
14
Funeral service
11:00 a.m.
Buma Funeral Homes - Uxbridge101 North Main Street (Massachusetts Route 122), Uxbridge, MA 01569
Funeral services provided by:
Buma Funeral Homes - Uxbridge101 North Main Street (Massachusetts Route 122), Uxbridge, MA 01569
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