Joseph Blanco, Jr., husband of Denise (Warburton) Blanco, died Wednesday, November 25th at Sunny View Nursing Home in Warwick. The couple had been married for 48 years.
Joseph was born in Providence and lived in Pawtucket before moving to Cranston and then to Warwick. He was the son of the late Joseph Blanco, Sr. and Juanita (Castro) Blanco. He graduated from Pawtucket West High School and RI College of Education (now RIC). At the college, Joseph was given the “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” award. Joseph taught in the Warwick school system for 32 years. He was the first president of the Warwick Education Association and was instrumental in writing the first teachers’ contract in RI.
He also worked as a membership service counselor at AAA in Warwick and taught ESL (English as a second language) at the Family Outreach Center in Providence. He enjoyed music and was a member of the choir at St. Paul’s Church in Cranston, and also at St. Timothy’s Church in Warwick. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing games with grandchildren, and socializing with his friends.
Joseph is survived by his beloved sons: Jeffrey S. of Warwick, James J. and his companion, Fernanda Lima of Pomfret, CT and Keith E. and his wife, Lisa (Testa) of Warwick. He also leaves a grandson, James R. Blanco, of Cranston and three granddaughters, Nicole Blanco-Cross and her husband, Dylan of Salida, CO, Tiffany and Lila Blanco of Warwick; and one great-granddaughter, Mia Blanco of Cranston. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Julio and Nelson Blanco of Pawtucket, and Marina (Blanco) Lussier of Ansonia, CT.
Joseph was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and great grandfather. He will be sadly missed by all of his family. He will be deeply missed by all.
Funeral arrangements were provided by Jones Walton Sheridan Funeral Home.
