TIVERTON – Joseph “Ike” Laventure, 80, of Tiverton, RI died unexpectedly on Monday, August 30, 2010 in Newport, RI. He was the loving companion of Sandra Hopkins for 33 years.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Mary (Tripp) Laventure, he was raised in Westport with his grandparents Mamie and Grampa Tripp.
He worked for many years as an oil burner repairman for Newport Oil Co. until he left to start his own business in the late 1970’s (Qwik Oil). He retired in 1992.
Joseph loved to travel and go camping in New Hampshire-his favorite spot. He loved his banjo and country music. He was a collector of antiques-a big collector-he collected and loved “Bugs Bunny” and “Old Man in the Mountain.” He also collected a million other things.
Joseph was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He cherished his relationships and they all cherished him. If there was a party-Dad was there-with a smile. He loved his life and lived it 24/7.
He is survived by his 4 children, Susan Laventure of New Bedford, Joanne Nomore and her husband Donald of Dartmouth, Jeffrey St. Germain and his wife Lori of Chepachet, RI and Robin King.
Joseph had 10 grandchildren: John, Nathan, Crystal, Justin, Brad, Vicki, Jenna, Glenn, Kevin and Nicholas and 8 great grandchildren.
He is survived also by his sister, Janet (Bobbie) Lanagan and her husband Robert; and his brother Ernest Laventure.
His extended family included Julie Anania and her husband Donald and their sons Christopher and Nicholas; and Michael Medeiros and his wife Lori and their daughters Marisa and Megan.
Joseph was predeceased by his sister, Hilda Cornell and brother, Albert Laventure.
By family request, funeral arrangements are private. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the V.F.W., 144 Cross Rd., N. Dartmouth at 1:00 P.M. All are welcome to attend.