Joseph Reddy

Joseph J Reddy, age 87 of Cranston and South Kingstown, RI passed away on January 4, 2024 with his beloved family by his side.
He was born November 18, 1936 in Providence RI to the late John F and Anna (Flynn) Reddy. Joseph grew up in Providence RI in a large Irish family. He was the seventh of nine children. Things were never easy! He shined shoes at night and sold the Boston Record at the intersection of Randall St. and North Main St. The paper had all the latest racing results! He entered the Army at the age of 18. He left the army as a Sergeant First Class. Upon returning from the Army, he married the love of his life, Sandra M. (Bennett) Reddy.
In addition to his wife Sandra, he is survived by his children Maureen Wales (Jonathan), Colleen Poyton (Kenneth), Joseph Reddy (Cindy), Thomas Reddy, Dennis Reddy (Jeanne), Christopher Reddy (Bryce), Ryan Reddy (Melissa) and bonus children Colleen Burke and John Cranham (Donna). He is survived by grandchildren Meaghan, Emily, Connor, Amanda, William, Elliot, Eamon, and Flynn Reddy, Jonathan and Brendan Wales, Matthew Poyton, Sarah LaMarche, Kara Meneses, Matthew Cranham; and eight great grandchildren - Lily and Jack Wales; Nathan and Owen Wales; Maisie Gene Reddy Malkin; Henry and Luke LaMarche; and Oliver Poyton.
He leaves his sister Ann Coccio. He was a loving uncle to many nieces, nephews and was a friend to many. He never met a stranger.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Katherine Hallam, Doris McDevitt, Patricia Fee, Francis Reddy, Albert Reddy, Donald Reddy, Sharon Bergeron and daughter in law Kathy Reddy.
Joe was so proud of all of his children and often said to Sandra that God had blessed them to have such a great family. He was proud of his Irish heritage with his grandparents coming directly from Ireland (Coolboy) to Boston. He loved the United States and American history.
He loved his whole extended family and enjoyed all the years where he prepared Sunday dinner for anyone who wanted to attend. He would cook all kinds of dishes to teach his family about his ancestry such as "Jennie McCarthy's Roasted Potatoes" (that was his grandmother).
Joe worked for EG&G Sealol for twenty four years. His last position was Director of WorldWide Operations. Following his time at Sealol, he was Vice President of Operations for Laser Fare, Smithfield. Joe was highly regarded in manufacturing operations and loved visiting manufacturing plants in his time off to see how other companies faced the problems of the day.
Joe always felt that everyone should do their share. He loved visiting veterans at the Veterans Hospital in Providence and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. He was the commissioner of the Rhody Baseball League for a few years - especially enjoyed having a team with his sons and family on it called "Reddy Riggers." On Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings for over 20 years, you would find the whole Reddy family at Fay Field where Joe taught young children under the age of eight how to play baseball for the Edgewood-South Elmwood Little League. The Clinic, as it was known, was a pride and joy for him. He loved to learn from others and equally loved to teach.
Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. with his funeral on Thursday at 8:45 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul Church, 30 Warwick Avenue, Cranston. Burial with military honors will follow in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the RI Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907.