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Joseph Visgilio Obituary
Born in Westerly to Rose and Joseph Visgilio, Dad grew up between Westerly, RI and Pawcatuck, CT alongside his beloved siblings, Thomas Visgilio and Madeline Jones. Those early years shaped the values he carried always: faith, hard work, loyalty, and devotion to family.
Dad built a life centered on love. He raised his family in East Hartford, CT, where he served on the Board of Education and the MDC. He formed deep friendships, and family gatherings meant chowdah, friendly competition, and always laughter.
Dad attended Stonington High School and later entered seminary, studying at St. Thomas Seminary in West Hartford and St. Bernard's School of Theology in Rochester, NY. That chapter changed when he met Alice Mehegan one fateful day in Misquamicut. She was the love of his life, and they shared 63 years together until her death in 2021.
After working at Pratt & Whitney, Dad bought Old Windsor Press with his brother Tom, building a business that became a training ground for family and a source of pride. In retirement, he worked for more than two decades at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home.
Dad had many passions: photography, golf, woodworking, cribbage, and a good debate. Most of all, he treasured time with family at home, in Misquamicut, and during unforgettable visits with the Torselli family of Milan, Italy.
Dad was predeceased by his infant son, Michael. He is survived by his five children: Peter (Ann), Robbie (Laura), Meg Strickland (Ken), John (Wendy), and Tim (Paula); 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
We will remember his infectious laugh and great sense humor. His presence shaped who we are, and his spirit will remain with us always.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, Jan. 12th from 5pm -7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home 59 Spruce St, Westerly, RI. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11am on Tuesday, Jan. 13th at St. Michael Church, 60 Liberty St, Pawcatuck, CT. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to High Watch Recovery Center, Kent, CT. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Visgilio
Sponsored by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly.
3 Entries
Joe & Angie
January 3, 2026
To The Entire Visgilio Family
Just a wonderful friend and neighbor he was ..always full of support & laughter
We enjoyed Alice & Joe all the time we encountered them in Westerly & Misquamicut area.
RIP with our Blessed Lord
Joe & Angie Iacoi
Misquamicut
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Janet Higginbotham York
January 3, 2026
So sorry to hear of Mr Visgillio´s passing. Tom´s daughter Susan and I have known one another for a very long time.
Carolyn G. Longolucco
January 2, 2026
Your beautiful obituary tells the story of a great man, Joe Visgilio. I became acquainted with his wife, Alice, while attending St. Clare Church and participating in the ministry which she so capably carried on, the Hospitality Ministry. If you knew one, you had to know the other. "Faith, hard work, loyalty and the importance of family" were the keys to the love they shared as you indicated.
I feel fortunate to have become aware of this great couple who demonstrated the love that was the basis for this church in which we participated. My sincere wishes for peace and comfort to them both now as they renew this love and to your family who have appreciated these efforts and will treasure forever what you have lovingly incorporated into your own lives.
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Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home - Westerly59 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891
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