Joseph Raimondo

Joseph Raimondo,87, of Smithfield, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2014 at Kent Hospital in Warwick. He was the beloved husband for 58 years of Josephine Piro Raimondo.

Born in Providence, Joe was the son of Tomasso and Angelina (Grilla) Raimondo.

He was decorated for his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Amsterdam in the South Pacific during World War II. Attending college through the G.I. Bill, Joe graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Chemistry and Metallurgy.

He was employed by the Bulova Watch Company for 26 years, ultimately serving as the Chief of Materials Science. During this time, he also taught electrochemistry and electroplating at the Jewelry Institute. He later worked as a consultant for many jewelry companies, where he achieved legendary status for his industry knowledge and insights.

Since 1963, he was a parishioner of St. Philip Church in Greenville. For many years, he volunteered with the St. Philip Boy Scouts troop. He was a volunteer at LaSalle Academy for many years through the PALS organization. In his later years, he volunteered as a science teacher at the San Miguel School in Providence.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Joe's greatest commitment was to his family, above all else. He firmly believed in the value of education and made the education of his family a top priority.

He is survived by his wife Josephine Piro Raimondo, his brother Anthony Raimondo, and his children Dr. Marianne Raimondo, Dr. Thomas Raimondo, and Dr. Gina Raimondo. He was a loving father-in-law to David Jasinski, Dr. Sheila Raimondo and Andrew Moffit. He was a devoted grandfather to Theresa, Emilia,Gianna, Peter, Cecilia and Thompson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 22nd at 11 a.m. at St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Smithfield, RI. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI 02828.

Published in the Providence Journal on May 19, 2014