Joseph Anthony Trombetta

He was born in Providence a son of the late Giuseppe and Mary (Parrillo) Trombetta. Beloved husband of the late Mary B. (Kaskewsky) Trombetta. Devoted father to; Christopher Trombetta and his wife Sue, Richard Trombetta and his wife Janice. Cherished grandfather of; Nicholas, Elizabeth, Alex, Sophie and Chelsea. Great grandfather of George.

Joe was a worker, giver, and teacher, both in and outside the classroom. He enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served four years in active duty during the Korean War, receiving commendations and praise from his commanding officers. Following his time in the Navy, he returned to Providence where, with his brother, Sal, cousins Peter and Angelo, and numerous uncles and personal and family friends, he built a house, one nail at a time, for his beloved mother, and his sisters Rose, Elenor, Tina, Ann, and Mary. His father had passed when he was only seven years old.

He met his wife, Mary (also a teacher), and shared later in life that he “loved her the first time he saw her.” Working two and sometimes three jobs, he and Mary raised their two children, instilling the importance of work ethic, faith, unwavering values, and education.

He attended Rhode Island College and Providence College in the evenings on the GI Bill, obtaining his bachelor’s degree while simultaneously working at the U.S. Post Office during the day. Subsequently, he became a calculus teacher, earned a master’s degree in education, and became the principal of Central Vocational School in Providence. While a principal, he shaped the lives of countless students, many of whom, decades later, would thank him for getting them on a better path.

While many were aware of his affiliation with Providence College, most people did not know that he was accepted to the Rhodes Island School of Design’s prestigious architecture program but, instead, chose to commit himself to helping his family financially. He never discussed “What if.”

Immensely proud of his Italian heritage, he and Mary traveled to Italy and came across the Trombetta Cafe; he was mistaken as the owner after showing his U.S. driver's license. Once the staff’s panic subsided and things were clarified, he was gifted a set of Trombetta Cafe espresso cups which he kept in his kitchen cupboards for years.

Christmas Eve was always celebrated with a seven-fish dinner, Fridays were spent at breakfast with his closest friends, and birthdays, weddings, funerals, and baptisms were never missed. His famous homemade pizza was a hit at all family gatherings and was often devoured before the main course.

An avid woodworker, gardener, and do-it-yourselfer before Home Depot made that a thing, he was always there to help others build a deck, finish a basement, or make a repair, no matter how big or small. He rarely made things for himself, as most projects inevitably made their way to his mother’s, sisters,’ children’s, nephews,’ nieces,’ or grandchildren’s homes; this brought him immense joy.

In addition to woodworking, he spent hours working in his yard; it was impeccable. His garden overflowed with zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes, most of which he shared with friends, family, and neighbors.

Every moment was an opportunity to learn, and he lived by the mantra taught to him by his uncle Angelo - “Pay attention and steal with your eyes.” Once, when carpets were being installed in his home, he disagreed with the way the job was being done, although he had never done it himself. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years,” the owner said. “Well then, you’ve been doing it wrong for 30 years,” Joe replied, taking a carpet knife out of the toolbox, getting on his hands and knees, and installing some of the carpet himself. “That’s how you do it.” And that’s how it was done the rest of the job.

There were highs. There were lows. There were good days. There were not-so-good days. Liked and loved by many, respected by all. His external persona presented toughness, his demeanor could be demanding, but his heart was filled with compassion and caring for others.

He will be missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, at 10 a.m. in St. Ann Church, 280 Hawkins Street, Providence.

Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the RI Veterans Home, Patients Activity Fund, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809.