Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
JOSEPH STIFANO Obituary
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Joseph and Clarisse 'Penny' (Marks) Stifano and the beloved grandson of the late Dr. Cono V. and Alvina (Seneca) Stifano. Joe had one son, Lance J. Stifano, with his former wife, Judy Guiliano. He has 2 beautiful grandchildren, Alexandra Laura Stifano and Isabella Stifano. Joe was the brother of Deberra Cassidy of Newport, Sheila Stifano and Gail Martel of California and Paula Voelker of Woonsocket. He also leaves his special friend, Cira Fernandez as well as his former wife, Bette DiDonato, his lifelong ally and business partner.
Joe was an avid yachtsman and horseman and a lifelong member and supporter of the YMCA. Devoted to his business, his career spanned 45 years. He recently retired.
Joe touched the lives of many from the less fortunate to the elite of Washington, D.C. He lived his life to the fullest, making a difference in many people's lives. A profound and proud man, he lived in his own style, 'JOE STIFANO STYLE'. Joe will be sadly missed and always remembered.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. with a funeral on Thursday at 8 a.m. from the PONTARELLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. in St. Ann Church, 280 Hawkins Street, Providence. Graveside burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to the Crossroads of RI, (YMCA) 'His City Beach House', 160 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903. To express your condolences through our online guestbook, visit www.mem.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH STIFANO
Sponsored by Cira Fernandez Rodriguez.
Gordon Allen Briggs
November 25, 2024
Another year without you. Think of you everyday.
Love Gordon
Cira Fernandez
December 31, 2022
Joe, we miss you. You were a class act one to be followed never duplicated. I think of you all the time, I miss you dearly. Hope and pray your smiling down at us. We love you let your presence be felt always
Gordon Briggs
May 8, 2022
Still dream of you. Been fixing up the Thomas Crown. I'm sure your watching from heaven. Love you
Cira “ CEE!”
February 22, 2021
I miss you every day,you are a tough act to follow, even harder finding anyone half as classy and sweet as you. RIP till we meet again!!!
Robert MonteCalvo
November 30, 2018
I appreciate the kindness and thoughtfulness of this memory book.
Joe would be so please! Joe was one of those "few individuals" one never stops loving. I still see him at his summer home, the Y.M.C.A. When he arrived, he brought magic with him. He is in my heart, too, as he is in the meany lives and hearts he touched. Love to you, my Dearest Betty. Joe would be so pleased to see the growth. It was the right thing.
Robert H. MonteCalvo
Robert Golomboski
November 29, 2018
Nine years today, how quick it goes by. I miss you my friend we had some great times I will never forget. There will never be another Joe Stifano Til we meet again Uncle Joe
Cira Fernández
April 12, 2018
Giuseppe, my heart is aching lymphoma took my baby sister Viany, on Monday, please give her a big Joe hug & kiss for us. Love & miss you. We miss n love you.
December 2, 2014
Joe I miss calling you every day, asking your advise, your help, or just everyday conversation. Love you
Gordon
Chick Coletta
December 1, 2014
My cousin Joe,
You can't believe how much I miss you. I think about you always. You were such fun to be with. I love you
Cira Fernandez
November 29, 2014
our Dearest Giuseppe, - you sailed away on your last voyage 5 years ago today. We miss you and remember you everyday. You will forever live in our hearts and in our memories. May you rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding. We love you and till our path sets sails to that faraway land where we shall meet again, Vaya con DIOS, von voyage, farewell. Love, Gia, Shanelle, and Cira Fernandez
Cira Fernandez
December 15, 2011
My dearest Joe, - I miss you very much. We all do. your kindness, compassion, and show of love is so missed. it was an honor and a priviledge to have known you, to have had you in our lives, and to have known honest and unselfish love that comes to us only once in a lifetime. You are so sadly missed. you will forever be a part of our lives you live in our minds and our hearts. We love you. Cira, Shanelle, Gia
Cira Fernandez
November 29, 2011
its the 2nd anniversary of ur departure. we miss you just as much today as the 1st day you left us. always in our thoughts, forever etched in our hearts. we love you. Cira, Gia, Shanelle.
Robert Golomboski
July 18, 2011
Joe, Thinking of you. You were one of a kind. They say God only takes the best, well he has one of the best up there with him by his side. Until we meet again my friend........
Gordon Briggs
July 17, 2011
Think about you every day, feel like your on the boat with me.
Gordon
Robert MonteCalvo
January 18, 2011
My Dearest Betty,
I just learned of Joe's passing. I have not been able to move or stop thinking...
Oh, Betty, you and Joe were always so good to everyone - me - always. My times working out with him at the YMCA were wonderful days. How did they end so soon.
I shall never forget seeing your beautiful faces in your restaurant seated at one of the tables near the fireplace. I love you, my dear Betty... Please take care.
Priscilla
January 5, 2011
I think someplace should be named in honor of Joe. He had a positive impact on so many people.
Gia Fernandez
November 30, 2010
Hey joe, it's been one year ( yesterday) since you've left us :( i miss you so much, and STILL until this day can't believe that you actually left us, that im not going to see your beautiful smile all the time.
Or hear you joke around about everything :) i miss you so much, i honestly, really never knew exactly how it felt to lose someone so important. I finally found out that the saying " you never know what you have until you lose it" is 100% true.
love you so much!
G :) <3
Rosie
November 30, 2010
Joey Baby! You are missed but never forgotten!
Lynn Briggs
November 29, 2010
A year has gone by so I light this candle for you today in remembrance of you my dear friend.
cira rodriguez
November 29, 2010
its been a year to 2day. u are missed every day. we'd give anything just for 1 more day with you. we love you. Cira, Shanelle, n Gia
Gordon Briggs
November 24, 2010
I feel like your with me every day.
A Thanksgiving and Chrismas without you, who do I hang with now!
Robert Golomboski
November 23, 2010
Thinking of you Joe, I can't believe it has been almost a year since you left us.
Cardia Mazyck
July 24, 2010
I would first like to extend my condolences to the Stifano family. I had no idea that Joe had passed away until today. I am so sad to hear that my Joe is gone. He was so full of life! He was one the sweetest and kindest men I have ever known and he will be missed. My heart is heavy but I know that he is watching over us. I love you Joe, you were the best!
Cee Rodriguez
June 18, 2010
My dearest Joe I couldnt be here for your Birthday (may 25th). I wen to DR to visit my dad and granddad. As previously planned. But you were and are always on my mind... missing you everyday all the time. We love you.
Lynn Briggs
April 14, 2010
Joe,
I still can't believe your gone, God shouldn't have taken you from us. now that your with him in heaven you can look over at all of your friends and family and be our angel. thank you for all of your guidance and friendship. I miss you very much and think of you often. god bless and rest in peace my dearest friend.
cira Fernandez-Rodriguez
April 12, 2010
I miss you all the time every moment of everyday...your in my mind n in my heart....so much I meant to say...but time is not our friend...only GOD can handle time...we are here to use it wisely...time has not taken away the pain of your loss...but someday we i know we'll be able to say what was unsaid, n celebrate victoriously w/ Jesus...till that day we meet again...you'll forever be in our hearts our thoughts our minds every moment everyday...we love n miss you always!!!!
peter giampietro
April 9, 2010
joe you where a true god in my life ! and i will aways miss u ! love aways and 4 ever !
January 3, 2010
bette so sorry for your loss. joe and you we great to work for. I was always treated great. you both knew how to take care of the help. joe will be missed.
anthony ceccofiglio npr fl.
Cira Fernandez
December 29, 2009
My dearest Giuseppe, today the calendar marks one month since you left us. I miss you more each day that goes by. so hard to find myself w/o you. we will miss you always, we love you very much. Cira, Shanelle, n Gia
the verse of the day seems so appropriate. Its so hard not to be troubled.
“[Jesus Comforts His Disciples] "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”- John 14:1-3
Valerie Iadevaia-Rezendes
December 20, 2009
My Dearest Bette, My heart twisted when I read the Card of Thanks in today's Sunday Journal. I am so sorry that I was not there for you. You and Joe where always there for me. "Saved" me a few times without even knowing it. I was in Washington DC on a training and then home after an operation, but that is no excuse. I feel so bad. It was always a pleasure to get into that "fender bender" cause I knew that you guys were always there to make things right. But the true friendship that came from it all will never go un-noticed. I am here for you. If you need me please call, after I am up and about again I will stop by. I AM SO SORRY !!!! . . . and please pass on my deepest sympathy to rest of the Stifano family. Val
December 20, 2009
Thanks Joe , for always being a great friend I will always think about how you were always there just a phone call away see you again in the next life. Alan Ceprano
Doreen Caruso
December 11, 2009
Dear Bette,
Today I was shocked to hear the sad news of Joe's passing. He was one of a kind! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Doreen
Nicole Livas
December 9, 2009
I'm just learning about Joe's passing and thinking about all of the wonderful times and laughs we shared.
I will cherish those memories forever. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
God Bless You!
Love,
Nicole
(Nikki Nik) ;-)
Justin Szpotanski
December 5, 2009
Dear Joe, The Island will never be the same without you. It was an honor to have known you. My deepest sympathies to your family. You will be forever missed.
December 5, 2009
Hey Joe,
Erika here. Its been hard letting you go but your spirit will remain with me, today tomorrow and till I meet you again. You were a counselor, a freind a father figure. To that I owe you... I will continue to make you proud, my friend!
I thank you for your short but lifetime friendship!
As they say, "Till we meet again"
Love you, my friend!
Erika Read
Gia Fernandez
December 3, 2009
Hey Joe! its Gia or as you loved to call me, G. I love and miss you sooo much. Im sorry that i didnt go up on saturday night i feel horrible about that. I could have went up and at least said hi but i stayed in the car, acting stupid!!!! I wish you could have went to the doctors,not seeing you anymore is really weird and just doesnt feel right. You brought laughter, smiles, and happiness into everyones lives. it was pretty hard to stay upset in front of you.
I heard that you were always worried about us, and what you said about me(:
Guess what?!?! i meet your grand-daughter! you always wanted me to meet her and she was just the way you described her and talked of her, i didnt meet her the way i would want to though.
i miss you Joe, and LOVE YOU SO MUCH<3
Hope to see you soon<3
love,
your G(Co-pilot)
Steven Cipolla
December 3, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Glenda Torres
December 3, 2009
Joe you was such a great person I'm glad I got a chance to meet you. You will be missed and always remembered. My condolences to Cira and the Stifano family.
Sharon "HATCH" McCarthy
December 3, 2009
My condolences...I have so many fond memories of Joe and I can still hear that contagious laugh. My prayers are with his family.
Joan Tommasiello and Family
December 3, 2009
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Stifano Family, Bette, and the "Detroit" gang. We will always remember the kindness shown to ourselves and my son Joe while he was working at Detroit before his passing. May happy memories help you through this difficult time.
December 3, 2009
Joe Detriot as many would call him! Joe was a great man with a wonderful smile and heart, dignity and loyalty! He was respected by many and will never be forgotten! My condolences to Cira Fernandez and the Stifano Family.
vincent aidala
December 3, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Glenda Delgado
December 3, 2009
My condolences to the Stifano family
V
December 2, 2009
Joe will truly be missed, he was an amazing person. I send my condolences to Cira Fernandez and the Stifano Family. May the times you spent together bring peace to your heart. You and Joe will forever remain in my thoughts and prayers. -Love Vee
Agustin(rudy) Lopez
December 2, 2009
To the entire Stifano family I send my deepest sympathy. May God give you all the strength to stay strong through this time.
Agustin Lopez (rudy) & Lyannette Lopez and family.
Marie Tavares
December 2, 2009
What a Guy........he will truly be
missed by many. He will always be
in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosie
December 2, 2009
Joe I will forever hold your memory in my heart! You were a Great man! Your laughter was contagious! Thanks for the wonderful memories and the great stories over scorpian bowls!
My deepest condolences to the Stifano family.
Brian & Diane Vitale
December 2, 2009
We will miss Joe very much. He was a great friend and neighbor to us in Newport. We can't imagine walking to our boat and not seeing him. "D" dock will never be the same without him! We'll miss his smiles, kind words, and laughter. He was one of a kind and we are thankful for the time he was part of our lives. Our prayers and sympathy are with his family. Rest in peace, our friend.
Phil McKendall
December 2, 2009
Dear Stifano family,
I will always remember Joe as a Friend and Mentor, and our time shared at The Brass Horse Tavern.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Stefano
December 2, 2009
Bette & Family-My deepest condolences..........although I never really got to know Joe or any of the girls -I am glad to have had the oppertunity to have met him back in 1989-I have thought of all you over the years-I believe Joe is with our father now-May he rest in peace
December 2, 2009
Dear Bette and Family, We were very sad to hear the news about Joe. He certainly was one of a kind. Elaine & Dave Creem
Colleen Cafaro
December 2, 2009
To the Family of Joe,
We are sorry for your loss.
Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cafaro
Kathryn Forti
December 2, 2009
Yesterday is history,today is a mystery, that's why they call it the present, and our brother Joe is with our Heavenly Father, Rest in peace.
Ribezzo and Forti family
Joe McGrath
December 1, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Andrea D. Wheeler
December 1, 2009
To the Family of Joe Stifano, What a great loss, he was such a Gentleman one of a kind..I remember meeting him in the Regency a few years ago, and then at Southstreet always looking good in his Bahama Bob shirts, And that wonderful smile..Rest in Peace. Always, Andrea"Darlene" Wheeler
John Sasso
December 1, 2009
Bette and the entire Stifano Family our deepest condolences. Bette we thank you for making Joe a part of our lives. We will always remember Joe with a smile. He would light up the room when he was telling his stories. Always so very kind and he had a larger than life character. Peace to all.
Bobbie & John Sasso
Joe Miro
December 1, 2009
Thank you Joe for showing me what a true gentleman is suppose to be. You will always live in my heart and memories. Thank you Joe thank you.
Richard Aube
December 1, 2009
The word "Friend" doesn't come close to what you meant to me. You were a mentor, a brother, a rock, that was always there. I can never thank you enough for the memories that I hold so dear. My life is better because you were in it. My life is lessened now that you are gone. I will never forget you. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers. Love Always,
Richard
Lil Suzi
December 1, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
December 1, 2009
Joe, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to have known you since I was a child. You and Betty were always thought of as family, thank you for always treating me that way. You will be truly missed.
Bethany Levin
Brendan Handfield
December 1, 2009
Joe treated me like family from the first day I met him at Southstreet with Pauly. A true gentleman, heart of gold, and a warm smile. May the choirs of angels welcome you and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest condolences Bette, Lance and the whole Detroit family.
Goat Island Marina
December 1, 2009
We are deeply saddened and will have only fond memories. You will be sincerely missed. You will always be a part of our Goat Island family. Rest in Peace.
Carmine DeMarco
December 1, 2009
Joe my dear friend I will truly miss you!...Mickey
Michelle Mendes-Layman
December 1, 2009
Bette~ I am so sorry to hear about this terrible loss. We are all going to miss Joe more than words can describe. I will never forget how amazing and kind he was. I will miss him forever~
Carleen McMahon
December 1, 2009
Bette and the entire Stifano Family ~
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. My memories will forever stay with me of the great man he was. He loved his family and his friends. Walking into a room where Joey was ,was magical with that contagious smile he always had. He was just a Wonderful spirit and he will be sadly missed.
wayne minnick
December 1, 2009
Bette, and family.I was so saddened to hear about Joe.He was a great guy and a good friend,we are all going to miss him.
Tammi Stefano
December 1, 2009
Uncle Joe,
You were the rock of this family in many ways. You were a beautiful brother, protective father, a son to be proud of, a wonderful uncle and a friend to so many. Although time and miles were in between us you were my Godfather and my uncle and I know you are enjoying your next phase of life even more than this one! I love you and may God keep you always in his loving arms. Your niece, Tammi
Robert DeMarco
December 1, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Uncle Joe & Auntie Betty
December 1, 2009
3 Generations of Stifano Men
December 1, 2009
Father & Son
December 1, 2009
December 1, 2009
Our hearts are deeply saddened yet will always be filled with fond memories. You will be sincerely missed. You will always be part of our Goat Island family. Rest in Peace.
Goat Island Marina
December 1, 2009
Our hearts are deeply saddened yet will always be filled with fond memories. You will be sincerely missed. You will always be part of our Goat Island family. Rest in Peace.
mike egan
December 1, 2009
Joe was one of a kind. Tough exterior with a gentle giving heart. He made everyone feel welcome wherever he was. I can never walk into Soutstreeet without thinking I am going to hear a "Mikey Boy! How you doing! have a drink on me"
Warmest regards and deepest sympathies to all his family and friends
Mike Egan
Uncle Archie, Uncle Joe and Grandma Stifano. Always remembered and loved. Tammi Stefano
December 1, 2009
Corey Dickerman
December 1, 2009
The greatest storyteller of all times...A man whose generosity had no limits,his compassion for those in need only surpassed by his humility and anonymity.The memories of the Farm, The Thomas Crown Affair, the many dinners/parties will live on forever.My condolences to Bette, Debbie, Lance,the DiDonato Family and his "boys at Detroit"
Mary Elizabeth O'Connor
December 1, 2009
Words are unable to express the profound sadness his passing has caused my family and me. Joe was definitely one of a kind with a heart of gold. We always considered him as one of our own family. He is the best friend my uncle will ever have in life…loyal and sincere. We’re so thankful for all you did for us. RIP Joe, you will be greatly missed.
Darlene & Michael Hutten-Czapski
December 1, 2009
Debbie, Gary, Bette and the Stifano family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a wonderful man, full of life and will be greatly missed. All our love.
Bob McQueeney
December 1, 2009
My condolences to Joe's family and friends and my friend of 40+ years. I will be away for the services but will visit your gravesite when I return. Will miss you dearly.
Barbara Roberts
December 1, 2009
Dear Bette: we were so saddened to hear the news. Our deepest condolences to you and the whole Stifano family.
Barbara Roberts and Joe Avarista
Regina Maddox
December 1, 2009
I'm so sad to hear about the loss of our dear friend Joe, he was such a blessing in so many of our lives. He will truly be missed by all. I'm keeping his family and friends in my prayers.
Anthony Fargnoli
December 1, 2009
I enjoyed playing piano at your restaurant Joe, and thank you for the opportunity. You are in my prayers.
Christine Daluz
December 1, 2009
Joe,
Rest in Peace. U will be missed.
December 1, 2009
Joe, you're one of a kind!! I'm very glad to have met you that day @ South Street years ago!! You have class, grace, charm, respect, generosity & love for all!! Thank You!
R.I.P. Priscilla Harris
Chick Coletta
December 1, 2009
Joe was my special cousin . Always had fun times in our younger years.....He was special to so many. I wish I was here to come and show my respect, I am away but want o say to all, I am truly so sorry. I will pray for all of you as Joe doesn't need any prayers. He's with God now.
December 1, 2009
We've lost a "treasure" in Rhode Island.. He touched the lives of so many people, always helping the needy and less fortunate, and so generous to everyone..."Joe" will live on with our memories of him....
Mikki Micarelli
Elizabeth Aube-VanPatten
December 1, 2009
Deepest sympathies to the entire Stifano family...you will be missed, Joe. May you rest in peace.
Maria Pitocco
December 1, 2009
To The Stifano Family: I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and a friend to so may others. He was truly a great man with a great heart. I will miss his contagious smile and welcoming and sincere "hello". He was always there for me and am sure for so many others. He will truly be missed. But knowing Joe he will be lookiing down upon all of us with that great smile. Rest in peace my friend.
Love,
Rob Gilliard
December 1, 2009
Farewell, and God bless you Uncle Joe! For certain, there is a place in heaven for you.
Mary Monteiro
December 1, 2009
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
December 1, 2009
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Angelo Pitassi
December 1, 2009
To the Stifano Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time.
A am the former base player of the band the INVICTAS with Joe as our drummer. Those were great times.
Angelo A. Pitassi
Robert Golomboski
December 1, 2009
My condolences to the Stifano family.
Joe Iaciofano
December 1, 2009
Sorry
Ginger Nazare
December 1, 2009
Bette..what can I say about Joe??? A generous..fun loving guy whom I will never forget...the times on the boat after a round of golf...his presence at all your parties and his generous bottle of champaigne at my wedding..my heart almost dropped when you called me with the news..he will be remembered always and missed forever..I just can't believe that his presence will no longer shadow over us but I will always feel his spirit..Love and best wishes Ginger, Ed and mom
Johnny Vallante
December 1, 2009
To the entire Stifano family I send my deepest sympathy. May God give you all the strength to stay strong through this sad time.
Johnny Vallante
Jake Kaplan's Jaguar/ Land Rover
Lynn Farrell
December 1, 2009
I never believed this day would come, you were always larger than life, and certainly one of the biggest influences in mine. Your obituary captured your essence beautifully. I can hear you now, saying, "if I can't be me, I don't want to be anybody". I will miss your dear friendship, your trusted advice, and that booming laugh when you shared a "Joe Stifano" story. You were always the star of any room you were in. Love you, Joe. Rest in peace. Lynn
Showing 1 - 97 of 97 results
Make a Donation
in JOSEPH STIFANO's name
Memorial Events
for JOSEPH STIFANO
How to support JOSEPH's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JOSEPH STIFANO's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
