Joseph Sabatino

Portsmouth, RI - Joseph Sabatino, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island passed away Friday, September 13 at Kindred Hospital in Boston following a year-long illness.Born March 4th, 1940, in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Phillip and Carmel (Falcone) Sabatino and brother of the late Phillip Sabatino, Jr. At Mt. Pleasant High School Joe was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and voted "most likely to be a pilot." Upon graduation in 1958 he joined the Air National Guard Reserves as a flight engineer in Texas. He attended Brown University and held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Madison University.In 1960 Joe and his brother Phil became third generation construction workers after taking over their father's business. Because of his interest in marketing and community involvement, Joe eventually moved into the field of radio. He joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Providence and became a newsman for WICE and then Sales Manager for WLKW. Later on, he became General Manager of WLKW. He moved on to become General Manager of WLNH in Laconia New Hampshire, owner of WKOL in Amsterdam, N.Y., where he was also President of the local Rotary Club. He then moved to become General Manager of WLVA in Lynchburg, VA.In the early 19680's, Joe returned home to Rhode Island and formed Foxcroft Associates, his real estate business in Newport. In 1989, he marred JoAnn Falk, formerly of Corning, N.Y., and they ran Gull House, a bed and breakfast. At that time, Joe also reentered the construction business with his company Distinctive Woodcraft in Middletown, which specialized in custom cabinetry. That led to the formation of the highly respected People in the Woods of Portsmouth, well-known for historic restoration and custom woodworking. Joe along with joining the Rotary Club became also President of CPPC, a national woodworker's council involving insurance claims. Joe was also President of the Portsmouth Business Association. Joe sold People in the Woods in 2002 and retired until 2004 at which time he returned to revive his company which then became Beyond the Woods. Throughout his life, in addition to airplanes, Joe loved his cars and sailboats. He sailed his historically well-known classic ketch the "Mary Otis" often in Newport harbor and in races around Jamestown. In later years, he owned two award-winning antique cars. In 2008, he joined the Cape Cod British Car Club and in 2012 became president of the Rhody MG's here in Rhode Island. Joe is survived by his wife JoAnn and daughters Joni Trulock of Letchworth Garden City, Great Britain, Carla Sabatino of Warwick and son Gregory Sabatino of Middletown and six grandchildren: Sarah, Taylor, Jessica, Sophia, Oscar and Michael. In addition, he leaves two sisters, Rose Sangermano of Mapleville, RI and Grace Borrrelli of North Andover, MA. And a large extended family. It was said by one of many saddened by Joe's passing: "Joe was a good, kind, and friendly man and it was a privilege to call him neighbor and friend. We will miss him very much." Calling hours will 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 on Wednesday, September 25th at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, September 26th at 10:00am at St. Marys Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will be in Saint Ann's Cemetery in Cranston.Flowers are welcome. Donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 901, Wilton, N.H. 03086-0901 or to St. Labre Indian School, 1000 Tongue River Road, Ashland, Montana 59003. Cemetery Details St. Ann 's Catholic Cemetery 73 Church Street Cranston, RI, Visitation SEP 25. 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Visitation SEP 25. 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service SEP 26. 10:00 AM St. Marys Catholic Church 12 William Street Newport, RI, US, 02840