Joseph A. DeLorenzo, Jr.

Joseph A. DeLorenzo, Jr. passed away at home on Monday, January 9, 2023 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family.

He spent his life providing for and guiding his family, serving his community and being a friend and mentor to many.

He married Mary L. Morin in 1964 and became the father of Lisa M. Scotti (Gerard Scotti) of Johnston, Joseph A. DeLorenzo III of New York City, and Christine N. DeLorenzo (Charles Bridges) of North Carolina.

He also leaves three very beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ashley and Nicholas Scotti, who unreservedly lit up his world. To them, he was the absolute arbiter of truth and information. As he did with his children, he encouraged them in all things, especially in the importance of getting an education.

He very rarely missed Sunday mass or an event that was important to his children or grandchildren.

Joe put his three children through school as the founder and CEO of Ocean State Rental Corporation, later adding Mobile Stages Northeast, where he was able to travel the country staging events ranging from Aerosmith to college commencements, and RI events like the Newport Jazz Festival.

He was single-minded in his desire to help the “average, hard-working Rhode Islander.” To that end he served as a State Representative from Cranston for 25 years and became Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee, spending many committee hearings asking pointed questions to get the truth. He later became the Cranston City Council President, Deputy Secretary of State, and spent 47 years on the Democratic State Committee and many years as the Chairman of the Cranston City Committee.

In addition, Joe was honored to be part of many other commissions and committees, including the Lottery Commission, the RI Investment Commission, the Convention Authority, and the Cranston Board of Canvassers. However, he most loved coaching CLCF Little League and Edgewood Hockey. He was very proud of the hockey skills he helped his son develop.

Despite his busy professional life, he loved spending time with his wife in their former Narragansett home, though a good deal of that time was spent watching his much-loved Red Sox. Off season it was the Patriots, the Celtics, and the Friars. He had an unrivaled memory for sports stats and politics, and a razor-sharp talent when it came to political campaigning. He often called his daughter Lisa to correct grammar and spelling and his daughter Christine to adjust graphic design.

Joe loved big family parties, long lunches at Twin Oaks, and his never-ending quest to grow a giant pumpkin. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves two sisters, Catherine Hogan of Cranston and Delores D’Agostino of Warwick, along with various nephews by whom he will be sadly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, January 18th at 11 a.m. in St. Rocco Church, Johnston. Inurnment will take place at a later date, and visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Rocco School, 931 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919. Visit NardolilloFH.com for online condolences.