Joseph M. Ribeiro

Joseph (Joe) Manuel Ribeiro of Warren, RI, passed away on August 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness. 

Born July 19, 1946 in Capelo, Faial, Azores, Portugal, he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1962. Although Joe was a gifted student in Portugal, he quit school in the U.S. after a semester because of his limited English skills at the time. He then took a job at Robin Rug in Bristol, where he eventually worked his way up to Foreman. In that position, Joe was able to help hundreds of Portuguese immigrants obtain work permits, putting them on the path toward realizing the American Dream. 

After nearly thirty years at Robin Rug, Joe left in 1992 to start his own business, Crown Janitorial, which he operated until 2024. In 2003, he was hired by Moses Brown School as their Athletic Equipment Manager. In that position, Joe enjoyed getting to know all the student athletes and going to as many games as possible throughout the school year. He became an integral part of the Moses Brown community and developed strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, and parents. One of his proudest moments was when the senior class dedicated the yearbook to him in 2005. 

In his free time, Joe was a humorist fado singer and was invited to sing at Portuguese restaurants and feasts across the region. He often included jokes in his performances and became especially well-known for his retelling of the story of Fu & Ku. Joe was an accomplished ballroom dancer, which is how he met his partner and the love of his life, Angie. He enjoyed traveling and loved sharing his favorite places and experiences with others. Joe was also an animal lover and had many four-legged friends in his life, including his beloved cat, Nica.

Joe is survived by his daughter Natasha Ribeiro Thompson and son-in-law Keith Thompson of Newfield, NY; his partner, Angie Fita of Fall River, MA; and countless friends and loved ones that he considered family. He is preceded in death by his father, Gabriel Silva Ribeiro; his mother, Maria Rodrigues Ribeiro; his brother, Manuel Leonardo Ribeiro; and his sister-in-law, Maria Luisa Ribeiro. 

Joe’s funeral services will take place on Wednesday, August 27, 9:00 – 9:30 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Calling hours are Tuesday, 4 - 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Joseph M. Ribeiro Memorial Scholarship Fund at Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906; or online at: www.givecampus.com/campaigns/67670/donations/new?a=10776759

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