Joseph C. Meister, Jr.

Joseph C. Meister, Jr., 82, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and great-uncle, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born on November 9, 1942, in Providence, RI, Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Barbara, and his children, Craig and Cory; devoted sister Kathy McCoy; brothers-in-law Jack McCoy and Richard Hawkins; niece Karen Santom; nephews John McCoy and Kristian, James, and Justin D’Amico. His much-loved sister, Carole Hawkins, preceded him in death. He will also be greatly missed by his extended family of wonderful grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Joe very proudly served his country in several capacities. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, with a tour in Vietnam. Upon his return, he attended the New England School of Technology and then began a distinguished career in communications with the Central Intelligence Agency, retiring after 30 years. After retirement, he worked for Qwest Communications and Lockheed Martin.

After his second retirement, he and Barbara moved to Narragansett, Rhode Island. They enjoyed walking on the beach, and he loved to pet every nearby dog and greet every nearby person he could. In his neighborhood, he became active in the homeowners’ association and served in several capacities, including president. He was dedicated to protecting the safety and happiness of all the residents.

He made great friends wherever he went and loved spending time with his family, helping others, and delighting people with his quick wit, storytelling, and funny jokes (which became longer and more elaborate with each telling).

He also loved to mentor young boys and girls while coaching soccer, baseball, football, fall baseball, basketball, and wrestling.

And cars! Oh, how he loved his muscle cars! He subscribed to five monthly car magazines, never passed by a car dealership he didn’t explore, and owned many muscle cars including: a Datsun 240Z, Datsun 280Z, 1984 Ford Mustang 20th Anniversary Edition, Ford Taurus SHO, and his beloved 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GT with the LT1 Corvette engine!

Visitation will be held on Thursday August 7, 2025, from 10am – 12pm in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, Wakefield, RI. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12pm. Burial will follow at Rhode Island Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.