JOSEPH “Joe” DeAlmo ROCHA

Joseph “Joe” DeAlmo Rocha, 93, of Little Compton passed away September 11, 2023, while living at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, RI.  

Joe was born on September 21, 1929, to Manuel DeAlmo Rocha and Mary Souza Rocha in Little Compton and graduated from the Josephine F. Wilbur School in 1947.  

Joe was a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a provider, a teacher, a friend, a Marine and so much more.  

Joining the USMC in 1953, he served his country proudly during the Korean War, as one of the first radio specialists, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his discharge, he returned to Little Compton, married, raised a family and served the hometown he loved. He was a Life Member of the Little Compton Volunteer Fire Department and served on the Little Compton Beach Commission for over 25 years.  

While a carpenter by trade most of his career, he retired working maintenance at Samuels Realty in Middletown. In retirement, he restored a ‘57 Ford Ranchero and became a member of the Fall River Antique Auto club where he won several awards with his prized Ford.

He was at his happiest with his late wife of 44 years, Julianna Catherine Rocha, whether it was riding around town in his Ranchero, watching the submarine races at the beach, traveling the country, visiting with friends in Maine, going to the Fryberg Fair, or laying the first tracks in the fresh fallen snow.  

Joe is survived by his son Joseph Rocha and wife Jennifer, his daughter Jennifer Lincoln and husband David, his granddaughter Lauren Allen and husband Casey, his granddaughter Stephanie Cavanagh and husband Sean and his four great grandchildren; Jordan, Kaleigh, Julie and Mary. He is pre-deceased by his wife Julie, his parents Manuel and Mary Rocha, and his four siblings Manuel Rocha Jr., Edwino Rocha, John Rocha and Virginia Johnson.  

Family and Friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Joe’s birthday, Thursday, September 21st at 11:00 am at the Acoaxet Chapel, 36 Howland Road Westport, MA with interment directly following at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Little Compton, RI. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Compton Historical Society, 548 West Main Road, Little Compton, RI 02837 or online at https://littlecompton.org. Arrangements by Fern Acres Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.fernacresfuneralhome.com.

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