Joseph F. Wojtanowski Jr.

84, of Providence, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances (Roy) Wojtanowski. Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph Wojtanowski Sr. and Lucille (Cease) Wojtanowski.

Joseph served honorably in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he began a long working life marked by uncommon reliability. He was employed at Tower Iron Works for seventeen years, seven of which he maintained perfect attendance. After the company closed, he went on to work at Corner and Lada, where he again achieved perfect attendance for ten years until that company also closed.

In 1988, Joseph began his career as a correctional officer with the State of Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions. There he attained perfect attendance for twenty years, a testament to the discipline and work ethic that defined him. Joseph gave generously of his time to his community. He volunteered with Elmwood Little League from 1980 through 1987 and, after a brief absence, returned to the organization, where he eventually served as President.

Joseph is survived by his loving children, Debra Vasquez and her husband, Edgar, of Cranston; Joseph Wojtanowski and his wife, Rosey, of Cranston; David Wojtanowski and his wife, Traci, of Providence; and Lynda Handy and her husband, James Jr., of Cranston. He was the devoted father of the late Kelly DeSimone and the late Randy Wojtanowski, and the father-in-law of Fred DeSimone. Joseph leaves behind twelve cherished grandchildren and eight adored great-grandchildren, who were a source of great pride and joy.

He was the brother of Dennis Wojtanowski and his wife, Carmen, of Ohio, and the late Edward Wojtanowski, Donald Wojtanowski, and Lucille “Marie” Hruska. He was also the brother-in-law of Judy Wojtanowski and the late Diane Wojtanowski. Joseph was the stepbrother of Richard Hill and his wife Mary of NJ.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Oct 2, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. His Funeral Home Service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.