Joseph Scanlan

Joseph J. "Joe" Scanlan, aged 96, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on the Fourth of July, 2025 in Providence, RI, surrounded by his loving family. For 64 years he was the loving husband of Anne "Robin" (McMahon) Scanlan until her passing in 2021.

Born in Port Washington, New York, Joe was the son of Harry and Lorena (McLachlan) Scanlan and raised in Danbury, Connecticut. He was educated at Portsmouth Priory School (now Portsmouth Abbey School) and graduated from Georgetown University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in History. Soon after, Joe entered the United States Navy, training at the Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, as part of one of its inaugural classes. He then served as an officer in the destroyer force during the Korean conflict, including extended time aboard the USS Myles C. Fox, later receiving an honorable discharge with the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade. Following his naval service Joe embarked on a successful career in manufacturing management.

For nearly six decades Joe and Robin made their home in Bristol, Rhode Island where they raised their seven children. In Bristol he and his family enjoyed sailing on Narragansett Bay and watching and participating in the town's famous Fourth of July celebration. Joe also gave back to the community he loved by serving on Bristol's Planning Board and the Republican Town Committee. In his retirement he enjoyed many road trips with Robin in his 1941 Packard convertible and he made many friends in the North Atlantic Packard Club.

A natural storyteller, Joe loved entertaining his friends and family with tales drawn from his boyhood in small-town New England of the 1930s and 1940s, his Navy service and his treasury of rich family history. In relating these tales, he leaves behind a legacy of humor, mischief and wisdom.

Joe is survived by his seven children: Margaret Scanlan (Charles Gillis) of Winchester, Massachusetts, Thomas Scanlan (Laurie Fox) of Athens, Ohio, Vincent Scanlan (Jacqueline Scanlan) of Newtown, Pennsylvania, Brian Scanlan (Cynthia Chang Scanlan) of Greenwich, Connecticut, Michael Scanlan of South Orange, New Jersey, Kathleen Scanlan of San Francisco, California, and Daniel Scanlan (Daniel Richards) of Melrose, Massachusetts. Joe is also survived by eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Gillis, Andrew Gillis, Peter Gillis, Quinn Scanlan, Luke Scanlan, Aidan Scanlan, Kevin Scanlan, and Paula Scanlan, as well as his sister Margaret Crotty-Platka of Arlington, Massachusetts.

In addition to his beloved Robin and his parents, Joe was also pre-deceased by his older sister Mary Scanlan and his brother Harry Scanlan.

The Scanlan family extends their heartfelt thanks to the many dedicated caregivers who supported Joe in his final years, especially during his most recent illness. Their kindness, compassion, and professionalism provided comfort not only to Joe, but also to those who loved him.

Visiting hours will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 18, 2025 at St. Mary's Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol at 10:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to RISE (Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education - www.riseonline.org), The Mission Society of St. Columban (www.columban.org) and the East Bay Food Pantry (www.eastbayfoodpantry.org)

For obituary, online condolences, and directions please visit www.sansonefuneralhome.com