Joseph "Joe" Patrick Raposa

Joseph Patrick Raposa, Age 46, passed away on May 7, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida. Joe earned multiple degrees over the course of his early life, including a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, as well as Master of Arts degrees in both English Education and Literature. He taught High School for 17 years, including Dual Enrollment English and Advanced Placement English classes, among many other classes during his time at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, NC, Clear Lake High School and Clear Falls High Schools in Houston, TX, and Ed White High School and Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, FL. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor teaching English Composition at Florida State College of Jacksonville for 5 years.

Joe was a dedicated and passionate educator who aspired to inspire ALL his students to recognize in themselves the potential that he could see in them. He possessed a brilliant mind, and a flair for the dramatic so teaching Debate and Theater classes brought him so much joy. His primary focus in education was always English and Composition. Joe was a masterful writer and storyteller and he truly enjoyed and found incredible purpose in inspiring youth to not only think critically but to express themselves authentically.

As a young adult, Joe ran his own local theater company in his hometown of Bristol, RI called The Little Earthquakes Theatre Company where he put on many productions including 1984, The Outsiders, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Breakfast Club to name just a few.

Joe has a passion for literature and film, and his expansive knowledge of the art of filmmaking (among so many other things) was truly awe-inspiring. Joe felt very strongly about animal rescue and care and rescued many homeless animals either by finding them a home or providing one for them himself. He was a collector of many things, including books, action figures, artwork, comic books, movies, and rare Ferraris. Saturday morning yard sales with a fresh cup of Dunkin coffee and his family by his side was his happy place.

Joe is preceded in death by his father Joseph and survived by loving mother Pat, his doting wife Sarah, his adoring daughter Savannah “The Kid” and his many beloved pets including special mention of Marsali - his “Magic Kitty”. He is also survived by countless friends, family members and former students who will mourn his loss deeply. Joe will be desperately missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love him.

A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held on Saturday, June 11th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills, 850 St. John's Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. The family will receive friends one hour prior beginning at noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please designate memorial contributions to the Jacksonville Humane Society in memory of Joe.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Raposa family.