Joseph P. Cesario, Jr.

Joseph Peter Cesario, Jr., 80, of Matunuck, RI., passed away among family at sunrise on Monday, April 23rd. He was the devoted husband of Myrna (Machala) Cesario and loving father to Cathy Cesario Wright and Carla Cesario Knowles. Born in the year of the great hurricane of 1938 to Joseph Cesario, Sr. and Georgianna Marshall Cesario, Joe Cesario was the youngest and the last surviving sibling to his late sisters: Elizabeth Cesario, Lucy Gautieri, Gloria Summerill, and Jeannette Morris. He grew up on a farm in North Smithfield, RI and worked the farm with his father, graduating in 1955 from Woonsocket High School. He married his wife Myrna in1963, and the couple built a house on the farm and had twin daughters, Cathy and Carla, soon after. During this time, Joe worked during the day, earning his Bachelor of Arts at Providence College at night. He worked for over 40 years selling building supplies, and he was known by many for his knowledge, sense of humor, and integrity. He taught catechism, coached his children in softball and even played on his own team for a while, was a member of the Elks Lodge, and St. Johns Church, where he served on the Parish Council for several years. Even after retiring to South County, he worked at Wickford Lumber and then at the Matunuck Farm, ending his work life at the age of 76, the same way he began-- as a farmer. He was a loyal fan of The Red Sox, The Patriots, and the Celtics. He was also an avid card player and member of a High Low Jack (Pitch) group who met weekly. He was lucky beyond measure, a born strategist, who inevitably won the whole pot on a regular basis. He was above all, a family man. Married for nearly 55 years, he was an extraordinary husband, father, and provider. His family was his life, his great work of art, his longest and most devoted prayer. He taught his children the power of hard work and the limitless possibilities within them. He was a steady and enduring presence, in good times and bad, a quietly encouraging and kind man. His smile could light up the room, and his sense of humor was still with him, even in his last days. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Saturday at St. Romuald Chapel, 63 Atlantic Avenue, Matunuck. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted and burial will be private. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Welcome House of South County, 8 North Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.