Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Cosmo and Assunta (DiOrio) Iaciofano. He was the father of Joseph F. Iaciofano and his wife Sheri Lepore, and Gina M. Iaciofano and her husband Gregory Hattoy; grandfather of Joseph P. Iaciofano, Ella and Alexander Hattoy and Drew and Ali Blanchard; brother of Anthony Iaciofano.
From humble beginnings to a real estate developer that helped revitalize a town, Joe or “Little Joe” as known by his close friends began his life in Knightsville, Cranston. A graduate of Cranston HS 1956 he was a member of their State Championship Football team. After graduation he met his wife “Betty” of 58 years and began his working career as a milkman. Tired of the early hours and believing there was a better way to earn a dollar he started his real estate career at Acciardo & Colardo. He had settled his family in the up and coming town of North Providence in 1968. From selling houses, to building them to building apartments to his first commercial R.E. deal in 1979 his career grew. After 56 years in real estate he amassed quite a portfolio of commercial real estate in New England. He was also one of the main architects in the building of and recent renaissance of North Providence. He even authored his own book “Cousin Joey” which detailed his life through his eyes. For the Italian kid from Cranston to achieve what he did was impressive to all who knew him.
His love for real estate could only be matched by his love for golf. A self-taught player with an extraordinarily strong grip “Little Joe” would hit the ball by players twice his size to their surprise. Playing at the old 18 hole, Louisquisset C.C. he learned to hone his game, later he was a member of Quidnessett CC in 1974, Pawtucket C.C. through the 80’s playing with the A-Train crew and Metacomet C.C. through the 90’s and 2000’s. He enjoyed the Rinky Dinks at West Palm Beach Municipal and the daily game. Among his golf accomplishments were winning the RI Golf Association Major events that included the RI State Jr. Seniors at 45, 4 RIGA Senior 4-Ball Championships, 3 with his partner Brad Faxon Sr. and three RIGA Father – Son titles which included the inaugural event in 1985.
He was always there to lend a helping hand to friends and family in need. In recent years he was able to enjoy his grandchildren Joey, Ella and most recently Alex and following his step grandchildren Drew & Ali as they excelled on the field. He was very proud of them and will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation and funeral will be held Wednesday, 9:00-10:30 a.m. in the PONTARELLI-MARINO Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. Graveside burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate
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