OBITUARY

Deacon Joseph F. Braga

Posted

PROVIDENCE — Deacon Joseph F. Braga, 92, husband of Cora (Carlone) Braga, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022. Raised on Arnold Street in Providence’s Fox Point neighborhood, Joseph, born November 5, 1929, was the son of Joseph Braga and Mary Franco; dear brother of Dorothy (Braga) Maciel, of East Providence; beloved father of Cynthia (Braga) Lawlor and the late Joseph Braga Jr.; beloved grandfather of David Lawlor, Neha Lawlor and Daniel Lawlor [married to Yumi (Nam) Lawlor]; and affectionately known and loved by congregants, colleagues, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his sibling James Braga and infant siblings.
Joseph was a graduate of Hope High School and took evening courses at Rhode Island School of Design. Joseph and Cora married in Providence on November 16, 1957. This year is their 65th wedding anniversary. Joseph worked for numerous companies in the jewelry industry until his retirement at age 80, including many years at Victoria & Co. He was a jewelry designer and model maker. Joseph served in the Rhode Island National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1954 and was stationed on Cape Cod.
Joseph had a deep love for painting and the arts, a passion he shared with his family. Art was more than his hobby having had a painting shown at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum. He viewed art as a way to get close to God.
Joseph served faithfully as a Deacon at St. Charles Borromeo Church for over 40 years. He was passionate about sharing the love of God and service to the community.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, May 23, in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 178 Dexter St., Providence. Military honors and burial followed at St. Ann Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to: St. Charles Borromeo Church, 178 Dexter St., Providence, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.