Joseph D. LaPolla

A life-long resident of the City of Cranston, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Westerly Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Beverly (Ferri) LaPolla. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Daniel and Edith (Graziano) LaPolla.

He is survived by his loving daughter Valerie Villucci and her husband Louis of Westerly. Joseph was the loving father of the late Jo-Ann LaPolla Ragosta and Daniel LaPolla. He was the cherished grandfather of Dominic and Daniel Ragosta, Joseph and Steven Villucci. He also leaves behind his eight adored great-grandchildren. He was also the dear brother of Geraldine Hamilton and the late Michael LaPolla.

Joe was the President and owner of LaPolla Motor Sales, Inc and spent his entire career in the automotive industry. He was the successor to the family business founded in 1933 by his father, Daniel LaPolla. Joe attended Cranston High School, Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Connecticut and Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA. During his high school career, Joe shined and excelled on the fields and courts as a three-sport athlete. Joe played on and captured the 1953 Cranston High Class A Football Championship, was selected as a Rhode Island All State baseball player in 1953, and also competed on his high school basketball team. After high school, he continued his baseball career at Cheshire Academy and Holy Cross College. His love for sports continued in his older years as he learned the games of tennis and golf.

Joe was a member of the Alpine Country Club, the RI New Car Dealer Association, the New England Jeep Dealer Advertising Board and also a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Cranston. After retirement, Joe and his wife, Beverly, spent 22 years in Jupiter, Florida during the winter months. They loved hosting anyone who wanted to visit. Their door and arms were always open. Family and friends were important and Joe's love, generosity and kindness continued throughout his entire life.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Friday at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Inurnment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held on Friday morning from 9:00 – 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.