Joseph S. Risica

Westerly, R.I. - Joseph S. Risica, 90, beloved husband for 68 years of Julia (Serra) Risica, of Elm Street, Westerly, R.I., passed away peacefully at Chestnut Cottage surrounded by his family Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. Born in Pawcatuck, he was the son of the late Antonio and Angelina (Parisi) Risica.

Joseph spent more than 50 years working for Cottrell's/Harris Graphics/Heidelberg Web Systems division, as a draftsman, design engineer and eventually, in sales. He traveled the world for his work. He was a communicant of St. Pius X Church where he served as both an usher and lector. He was also a member of the Dante Society, coordinating Italian movie night for several years for which he received the Pat Sposato Volunteer Award.

Joseph loved baseball, both playing into his 40s and coaching from Little League to Senior Babe Ruth, working with the youth of Westerly. He also coached basketball for many years. He was also an avid golfer and gardener, but family was the most important facet of his life.

Joseph cherished his family and was widely loved by all who had the honor to know his kind and gentle soul. He will be dearly missed by his wife and four children: Anthony Risica and wife Lynn, Linda Wilcox and husband Michael, Robert Risica and wife Patricia and Joanne MacNeil and husband Michael. Joseph is also survived by his sister Marianne Leonard; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Santo Risica; and sister Josephine Risica.

Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct.17, at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce Street, Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm Street, Westerly. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.