Joseph D. Wolferseder, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 30, 2017 in Warwick, RI. He was the husband of Ellen A. (Morgenthal) Wolferseder for 57 years.
He was born on May 19, 1931 in Providence, RI, the son of the late Frank X. and Carrie E. (Scheuren) Wolferseder. He attended Providence College, graduating in 1953 and then served honorably in the United States Army from 1953-55 during the Korean War at Fort Eustis, VA where he was awarded the Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Service. He returned to RI and received his MA in secondary school education from RI College in 1965 as well additional professional studies at the College of William & Mary, University of Rhode Island, and Boston University. His career was dedicated to several generations of children in the Warwick School system, first as a teacher of English, social studies, and vocal music at Gorton Junior High School, and then assistant principal at both Gorton and Aldrich Junior high schools. He also diligently served his parish as the first church organist and choir director at St. Kevin’s for over 50 years, and as assistant principal and principal of St. Kevin’s School. His activities included leadership roles on many local school boards and committees.
He will be sorely missed as he was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather and a believer in the potential of any child that crossed the threshold of the schools where he taught. An ardent reader and student of history, he was curious about his own family genealogy as well as the history of the US and the world. He held a deep love for his family, was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and avidly lived his faith, always demonstrating a caring persona to family and friends alike.
Besides his wife, he was the father of Paula Wolferseder Yabar (Americo), Joseph G. Wolferseder, Christopher J. Wolferseder, and Peter W. Wolferseder (Shirley); five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and admirers. Brother of the late Mary Hughes, Hazel Gibson, Dorothy Christiansen, and Milton Wolferseder
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Kevin’s Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick, on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich, RI. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Kevin School Scholarship Fund, 39 Cathedral Road, Warwick, RI. Information and condolences visit TheQuinnFuneralHome.com.
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