Joseph A. Walker

Newport, RI - Joseph A. Walker, 73, of 10 Kempsen Street, Newport, RI, died Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Joan Margaret (Taber) Walker. Born in Newport, RI on March 19, 1939, he was the son of the late Harry L. and Lena (Tougas) Walker.Mr. Walker was a graduate of St. Josephs School and a 1956 graduate of De La Salle. He went on to graduate from Dean Jr. College and Boston University in 1960. Joe was drafted into the US Army and served 2 years. Mr. Walker was a structural and civil engineer and was involved with the construction of the Newport Bridge, the Groton-New London Bridge and work as Chief Engineer for the construction of the Portsmouth Abbey hockey rink and dorms and the Providence Civic Center. He worked 30 years for the Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority as Chief of Maintenance. "Tiny" as we was known by friends, was a lifetime member of the Newport Elks and Knights of Columbus, a former member of the Newport Lions Club and a lifetime donor to the Rhode Island Blood Center. He was an avid sports participant, playing baseball, football, lacrosse and swimming. He also tried out for the New York Giants. Joe was past president of Pop Warner Football and enjoyed being a member of the Polar Bears with their swims on New Years Day. Besides his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his daughters, Jayne Walker and Deborah Younce, both of Newport, RI and Susan VonVillas of Portsmouth, RI, his brother Harry L. Walker Jr. of Middletown, RI, his grandchildren, Patrick Walker, Jennifer Evans, Michael Reffelt, Elizabeth Younce, Peter Younce, Caralyn Younce, and Sean VonVillas and his great granddaughter, Scarlette Evans Roderick. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 29, 2012, from 5:00-8:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2012, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00am in St. Josephs Church, Broadway and Mann Avenue, Newport. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rhode Island Blood Center, 405 Promendade Street, Providence, RI 02908. Visitation JUN 29. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service JUN 30. 09:00 AM St. Josephs Church Mann Avenue at Broadway Newport, RI, US