83, of Carl Avenue, North Providence, died Thursday, November 4, 2021 at Fatima Hospital in North Providence. He was the beloved husband of the late Grace Rubiano. They were married for close to 58 years when Grace passed away in 2017.
Joe was born in St. Ambrogio, Frosinone, Italy and migrated to America in 1954, alone at the age of 16. Joe was an example of a proud, hardworking immigrant who dreamed of making a better life for his family. Mission accomplished Dad/Nonno.
Joe began work in the jewelry shops in Providence, and then worked at Forest Hill Nurseries in Cranston. He then worked as a foundry worker at Brown and Shop. He and his brother-in- law, Ronnie Vescera, began a landscaping business that was later incorporated as Mt. Fuji Gardens which they operated nights and weekends specializing in Japanese Gardens. When the foundry was closed down, he obtained employment at the RI State House maintaining the grounds eventually being promoted to Grounds Superintendent.
Joe was the son of the late Daniele Antonio Rubiano and Gilda Tudino. He lived in North Providence since 1969. He was a member of The San Biagio Society, formed by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s including his grandfather Giacomo Tudino. Joe was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Dillon Council. Joe was passionate about caring for his vegetable garden, fruit trees, and Japanese Gardens. Joe enjoyed making his homemade wine, and enjoyed passing on the winemaking tradition/skills to his children and grandchildren. Joe made a special mushroom stew with Signorina Mushrooms “Hen of the Woods.”
Joe cherished time spent with his children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his children: Daniel J. Rubiano, and his wife, Cecile of Smithfield, RI, Angela A. Galasso, and her husband, Andrew of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Joseph Tripoli Rubiano, Jr. and his wife, Toni of Wellington, FL and Steven C. Rubiano of Jupiter, FL.
He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Daniel J., Jr., Joseph V., Anthony L., Joseph Tripoli, III, Christina, Jenna, Adriana A., Michael A., Brandon S. and Zackary S. Rubiano. Joe is also survived by one great grandson, Joseph Tripoli Rubiano, IV.
Mass of Christian Burial to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 10 am in Holy Ghost Church, Providence. Visitation Tuesday, November 9, 2021 in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt. 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville, RI. 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Unit 200, Providence, RI 02908.