Joseph R. Dias Jr.

66, of Cranston, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Lori (Marandola) Dias for 30 years. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Joseph Dias Sr., and Sarah (Cotoia) Dias. 

Joseph attended Berklee College of Music in Boston studying composition, classical clarinet, saxophone and flute. During that time, he also traveled with a 13-piece show band touring the east coast. Joe and his brother Donald opened a restaurant and catering company, JoDonys in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Joseph’s passion was the real estate business. A successful businessman, Joe opened Keller Williams Central RI in Cranston and, along with his partners, built the company into the largest real estate office in the state. As owner of “The Dias Team” at KWCentralRI, Joe earned several designations including CRS, GRI, CDPE, ABR, Broker, and was also a member of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors, RI Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. He was also the owner of Northeastern Private Lenders, LLC. 

Joseph’s true genius was his ability to work with people. He formed friendships and professional collaborations that lasted a lifetime. He was loyal, honest and a true mentor.  Former employees and associates professed their high esteem and joy at having been able to work with and learn from him.

While he was truly passionate about his business, Joseph’s family was his priority and his heart. . Joe was the loving and devoted father to his son Joseph Dias III, of Cranston. He was the cherished brother of Nancy Dias of Cranston, Donald Dias and his wife Carolyn of North Scituate, Jeannine Dias of Cranston, and the late Maria Dias. He also leaves many nieces and nephews. He had a special relationship with each of them. Joe loved his many friends and his infectious smile would light up a room. Anyone who knew and loved Joe, experienced his kind heart, his joy for life and his commitment to help others.

He loved snowmobiling, boating, skiing, dancing, golfing and was a proud member of the
Alpine Country Club. 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 23rd, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 24th, at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s name to the Hydrocephelus Association, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 905, Bethesda, MD. 20814-4447.