Joseph Rego

Middletown, RI – Joseph "Papa Joe" Rego, 91, of 1653 West Main Road, Middletown, RI, died Thursday, February 5, 2009 in the home that he build for his family with them by his side. He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Mello) Rego. Mr. Rego was born in Portsmouth, RI on September 12, 1917 the son of the late Manuel and Mary (DeMenzes) Rego. Mr. Rego worked as a roofer and carpenter as a young man. He was drafted into the United States Navy during World War II and Korea as a gunners mate. Mr. Rego returned home and built the house he lives in the rest of his life. After his marriage to Mrs. Rego he began his career in sanitation and septic tank work in the family business, for 50 years with other family members along the way. He loved spending time taking care of his yard and was a true landscaper at heart. Mr. Rego was an outgoing "People Person" who loved joking and spending time talking with his customers. He is survived by his daughters Emilia Neves and Catherine Violet of Middletown, RI, his grandchildren, Heather Kielbasa, Henry Gifford, Rachel Gifford, Jordan Neves, Jessica Violet and Stephen Violet and his great granddaughter Matison Slagle. He was the brother of the late Anthony Rego, Manuel Rego, Isabella Gracie and Mary Rego. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 10:00 am in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 9, 2009, from 5-8 in the funeral home. Donations in his memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 529 Main Street, Suite 101, Charlestown, MA, 02129.