Joseph E Rabbitt Jr

Joseph E. Rabbitt Jr., of Pawtucket, RI passed into eternal life on March 19, 2020.  He was the loving husband of Helen R. (Gaudreau) Rabbitt.  They were married for over 62 years.  Mr. Rabbitt was born in Pawtucket, the son of the late Joseph E. Rabbitt and Irene (Glavin) Rabbitt.  He was the brother of the late John W. Rabbitt and his wife, the late Nancy (Sullivan) Rabbitt of Pawtucket. He was a truck driver for McLaughlin & Moran Beverage distributor and member of the Teamsters Local 251 for over thirty years.  Besides his wife Helen, Joe is survived by his children; Karen V. Galeone and her husband Joe of Pawtucket, Lisa A. O’Connor and her husband Jeremiah of Attleboro, MA, Joseph E. Rabbitt III and his wife Carol of Lincoln, Paul A. Rabbitt and his wife Sheryl of Wood River Junction, RI, and Brad M. Rabbitt and his wife Dawn of Attleboro, MA.  He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren – Jason, Kelsey, Patrick, Catherine, Melissa, Christin, Taylor, Jordan, Donovan, Jeremiah, Cameron and Liam – and 12 great-grandchildren – Vala-June, Isabella, Greyson, Braylon, Daymon, Julia, Talia, William, Leona, Iverson, Ariah and one on the way. He was the loving uncle to his niece and nephews; Joyce Clinton, Kevin Rabbitt, John Rabbitt and the late Stephen Rabbitt.

Joe owned and operated in partnership with his brother, Rabbitt Brothers Overhead Garage Door Company prior to working at McLaughlin & Moran.

Joe was a committed patron to his church, St. Teresa’s Church in Pawtucket, where he volunteered for most of his life, raising over $400,000 in charitable contributions through his leadership and organization of the parish flea market.  Joe was recognized from the Diocese of Providence for his years of service when he received the Lumen Gentium Award for Stewardship.  Joe was a beloved member of his parish community, a warm and familiar face at Sunday mass and always willing to help others.

Joe was an avid New England sports fan and supported youth sports and recreation in the city.  He loved the Darlington American Little League, serving as a coach and board member for years and later as its President.  Joe loved to golf, particularly with his friends.

Joe was the epitome of a friend. Through good times and bad, Joe was there to celebrate or support.  You would often find him on early mornings gathering with his buddies for coffee and comradery.  Joe and Helen were “snowbirds” for many years and forged deep friendships in Davie, Florida. 

Joe was a humble man, but he was the heart and the rock of all of these groups.  Joe was loved by all those who knew him and will be greatly missed. 

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Joe’s life on Saturday, July 18th at 11:30am at in St. Teresa’s Church, 358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.  During these unprecedented times, a donation to St. Teresa’s  Church in honor of Joe Rabbitt would be greatly appreciated.