Joseph A. Stormont, 78, of Foster, RI passed peacefully at his son’s home on June 26, 2025 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Joe grew up in Columbus, Ohio with his parents Francis (Frank) and Mary Stormont, and there met lifelong friend Dave Woodyard. After high school, Joe joined the U.S. Navy as a Seabee and served two tours in Vietnam. Because he was based out of Quonset, Joe met Patricia (Miner) Szarek, set up residence in Rhode Island, and began working with the Thomas family in construction. The Thomas family became second family to Joe, and Joe’s work in carpentry resulted in many friendships, including long-term friend Bill Connors and family. Joe often said that there was never a day he didn’t enjoy going to work, and surely the friends he made because of construction were a significant part of that.
Joe, a skilled career carpenter who built many businesses and homes, including his final build of Gabe’s house in Foster, also did woodworking as a hobby, making boxes and frames he gave as gifts. His son and his grandsons all learned woodworking techniques in Joe’s workshop. Camping, gardening, metal detecting in the woods, playing euchre, playing pool in his dining room, deer hunting, and fishing occupied his free time. Opening Trout Day each spring may have been Joe’s favorite unofficial holiday. His love of the outdoors also brought friends, including the Bousquet family and the Howard family.
Joe is survived by many people who were important to him, including his former wife Patricia Szarek, Maia Rama and family, the Carlson family, his son Gabriel Stormont of Foster, Gabe’s wife Maggie, and their sons Elijah and Isaac. Joe enjoyed spending time fishing with Eli and sharing music with Isaac, and he was incredibly proud of his grandsons. Elijah has Joe’s map with Joe’s favorite fishing spots marked, and Isaac, who has Joe’s vinyls, will continue exploring the music of Bob Dylan, Joe’s favorite artist.
No services will be held at this time. Interment at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery followed by a celebration of life will be held later in the summer. To any who’d like to attend the interment and celebration, the family requests casual, comfortable clothing–no suits or ties, in honor of Joe’s preferred uniform of jeans, t-shirt, and flannel. Suspenders optional. Donations to the Navy Seabee Foundation, Trout Unlimited, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.