Joseph James Picano, Jr.

Joseph Picano, 93, of Weekapaug and Shelter Harbor, formerly of Cranston RI, died at his home on May 22, 2022. Joe was preceded by his wife of 68 years, Joan McNally Picano. He is survived by his children Lisa Capalbo, Christine Harkins and Jody Mugford and their husbands, 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Amiot and 15 nieces and nephews. His family mourns the loss of this great man.

Joseph grew up in East Hartford Connecticut, the son of Joseph Picano, Sr and Antoinette (DePastino) Picano. He was one of 5 siblings. He was preceded in death by his brother Anthony Picano, and sisters Justine Ferris and Jane Foster.

Joseph received his Undergraduate Degree in Education from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1951 and his Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Education Administration at the University of Connecticut in 1958 and 1964 respectively. Joseph was called to serve in the US Army in Army Counterintelligence Corp during the Korean War from 1953-1955.

Joseph had an exemplary career in Education Leadership and devoted his life to his love of learning and helping people. Joseph was an Elementary School Principal in Windsor and West Hartford, Connecticut from 1955-1964. In 1964 Joseph and his family moved to Cranston RI where he became the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Cranston School System and was quickly promoted to Superintendent of Schools from 1965 - 1989. Upon retirement from the Cranston School system, he took the position of Director of Children and Family Services for the State of Rhode Island. He retired from this position in 1994.

Joseph had a lifelong commitment to Education, Community and the Environment. He served as the Chairman of the Advisory Council on Academic Affairs for Johnson & Wales University for many years, President of the Connecticut Elementary School Principals Association, the New England Association of School Superintendents, President and Board Member of the Rhode Island Superintendents Association, Board member of the Rhode Island Childrens Crusade, the Cranston YMCA, The Visiting Nurses Association, Chair and Board Member of the New England School Development Association, Board member Cranston Athletic Scholarship Fund, 44 years, Shelter Harbor Fire District Board, Nopes Island Conservation Association, Shelter Harbor Conservation Society, 50 years, Salt Pond Coalition, Quonochontaug Beach Conservation Commissions, 50 years, 16 as Chairman, and Weekapaug Conservation Foundation, among many others. Additionally, he was recognized by Rotary International, of which he was a member of for over 50 years, with the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the Cranston School system as Superintendent Emeritus, Superintendent of the Year by the Rhode Island Association of School Superintendents and a playground at Glen Hills Elementary School dedicated to him for his being "an advocate for excellence in education."

He was an avid outdoor sportsman and fished the rocks and beaches of Weekapaug for many years. He was an accomplished wood worker and he took pride in in being able to fix almost anything. He also enjoyed tennis and golf and gardening.

Joseph's love of family and friends was always noted. He always had a kind word to say to everyone he met and he never let an opportunity go by without asking how you were and if you needed anything. He was always there to help out in his community in any way he could.

A Memorial Service for Joseph will be held at St. Clare's Church in Misquamicut on July 5th at 10:00am, a burial at River Bend Cemetery will immediately follow the Service. Close family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the Weekapaug Golf Club following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation, Weekapaugfoundation.org, PO Box 3067 Westerly RI 02891 or the Shelter Harbor Conservation Society, Sheltherharborconservationsociety.org, 13 Brahms Rd Westerly, RI 02891.