Joseph Doc Mcelheny

Joseph "Doc" McElheny "Dont Tread On Me" Joseph Charles McElheny of South Kingstown, RI, passed away on December 9, 2019, at the age of 38. Joe was born on August 26, 1981. He was a graduate of South Kingstown High School. During high school, he served as a Volunteer Firefighter for Union Fire District Tower Hill Station. Upon graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a Combat Medic in the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles" 2nd Brigade Blackhearts 1/502nd Infantry Regiment. In addition, he served on U.S. Border Patrol and in the Army National Guard. Joe is survived by his cherished wife, Michaela Hope Bell McElheny and his evergrowing menagerie consisting of one dog, two cats, a parrot, and seventeen ducks. Joe followed the honored tradition of military service in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, who served in the United States Marines and the United States Navy Seabees, respectively. Joe is predeceased by his much loved father, John Charles McElheny. Joes sister, Chelsea Doyle-Bee, is currently deployed, serving in the United States Air Force. Joe also leaves behind Richard and Patricia Bell, his devoted honorary parents. He will be missed by his sisters and brothers: Chelsea, Mary, Peter, Sharlene, Jon, Rochelle, Melanie, Brandon, and Keri. Joe shared his love of the outdoors and his appreciation for the simple things that most people overlook, with his numerous nieces and nephews: Victoria, Elizabeth, Gabrielle, Cole, Emilia, Logan, Sophia, Olivia, Brooke and Aiden, his cousins, and his friends. He enjoyed raising his ducks, fishing, hiking, and building stone cairns. Joe was an accomplished tinkerer and crafter and shared his love of creating beautiful artwork with his wife, Kayla. He was an avid reader and history enthusiast. He enjoyed exploring historical cemeteries, metal detecting, and stone carving. His plentiful collections of antique bottles, metal work, and smoothed stones will be cherished. His family and friends will remember Joe for his courage, his devotion to family and freedom, and his love of country. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A wake will be held at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield, on Sunday, December 15, 2019, from 4-7pm. A funeral service will be held on on December 16, at 10:00am in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, followed by a burial with military honors in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to: Disabled American Veterans Dav.org.