Joseph M. Cianciolo

Surrounded by his loving family, Joseph M. Cianciolo of Narragansett, Rhode Island, and Boynton Beach, Florida, died peacefully on September 4, 2026, at the age of 87.

Son of the late Lillian (Boylan) and Murray J. Cianciolo, he was born in Providence and raised in Cranston.

Joe met his wife, Judith (Hetherman), while they were both in college, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. He is survived by Judith; their children John, Jane (David), Jeffrey (Heather), and Joshua (Maura); grandchildren Hilary, Lillian, Nicholas (Leah), Grace (Frohman), Coleman, Mariah, Cameron (Nicole), Colin, Kevin, Charles, Claire, and Robert; and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Elizabeth), and was predeceased by his brother, Robert.

At the center of Joe's life were Judith and their family. He and Judith took great pleasure in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in watching their family grow. Joe loved spending time with each of them individually, and was never shy about offering advice — both solicited and unsolicited. He hoped to model for them the values that mattered most to him: family, hard work, integrity, generosity, and service.

A 1960 graduate of Providence College, Joe remained closely connected to the college throughout his life. He served on its Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2009, and he and Judith were longtime supporters of the College. In memory of his brother Robert, Joe established the Robert D. Cianciolo Memorial Scholarship to support undergraduate accounting majors.

Joe spent nearly four decades with KPMG and its predecessor firms. He became a partner in 1970, served for 29 years as an audit engagement partner, and ultimately became Managing Partner of the Providence office before retiring in 1999. His experience led to a second career serving as board member of numerous public and private companies as well as the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

Rhode Island Hospital held a special place in Joe's life. He served several terms as a Trustee and for 18 years as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing the Eucharist to those in the hospital's care.

Joe's faith, love of music, and friendships were central to his life. As a Knight of Malta, he served the American Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta for many years. Just days before his passing, he was awarded the Order's Grand Cross. He played the piano throughout his life and served the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra for many years, including as President of its Board of Directors. Joe loved golf, a game he enjoyed for decades – he cheerfully assessed his skill level with his characteristic self-deprecating humor: “I’m a lousy golfer.” Joe cherished the friendships and camaraderie he built through his memberships at Point Judith Country Club and the Dunes Club in Narragansett, and Quail Ridge Country Club and The Ocean Club in Boynton Beach, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland Street, Narragansett on Wednesday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are Tuesday, September 8, at NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory - SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett from 4–7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Robert D. Cianciolo Memorial Scholarship, Providence College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918 or https://give.providence.edu/.