Joseph E. Devenish, III

Joseph Edward Devenish, III of North Providence, passed away peacefully at the Woonsocket Health and Rehabilitation Centre on December 3, 2025 at the age of 83. He is survived by his loving wife Louise Lacoste, his daughter Molly McRoberts and his granddaughters Katherine and Ava. Born in Narragansett, he was the son of the late Joseph Devenish, Sr. and Sarah (Higgins) Devenish and brother of the late David Devenish. He was the brother-in-law of Suzanne Miranda and Denise Lacoste.

Joe graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts: Economics degree in June, 1964. He earned his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Rhode Island in September, 1984. He began his working career as a Social Case Worker, then became an Instructor for O.I.C. Rhode Island. Joe then worked for the Rhode Island Department of Health as a Sr. Health Facility Surveyor. Beginning in July, 1984 until his retirement, he was the Training Supervisor at the Eleanor Slater Hospital-Zambarano Unit.

Joe played a lot of basketball in his younger days. He was one of the original players who formed the North Providence Summer Basketball League. He also enjoyed running for exercise and competed in various road races such as The Blessing of the Fleet Race and the Downtown 5K.

For many years during the winter months, Joe and Louise would enjoy vacationing in Sarasota, FL. One of Joe’s favorite activities was to bask in the sun on Siesta Key Beach and then grab a burger at Siesta Key Oyster Bar. He quickly made friends with a small group of people who met every day at the local Panera Bread. They became his new “Sarasota Friends”.

Singing was one of Joe’s passions. His tenor voice was well suited to the ballads of the 1950’s and 1960’s “Doo-Wop” genre of music. Joe would lead the signing of Christmas tunes at the open houses he and Louise would have early in their marriage. Joe never met a microphone he didn’t like! He entertained at various health care and assisted living facilities and for a time, entertained at a couple of local restaurants.

Joe suffered from depression and anxiety since his early teens. He made it his mission to try to destigmatize mental illness. He would share his personal story and how he was able to live a normal, productive and fulfilling life, while also encouraging people to seek the appropriate treatment. Joe was a recovering alcoholic with 37 plus years of sobriety. He was always willing to sponsor anyone who would ask for his help and who was serious about overcoming their alcohol addiction.

Joe will be remembered for his natural charisma that fostered many lifelong friendships, his quick wit, generosity and his strong work ethic. He was a man who loved the simple pleasures of life – enjoying the company of his wife, playing cards, sharing a meal with friends and telling his stories (which often erupted into laughter), hanging with friends at Dunkin Donuts, or watching professional football, baseball and basketball. He was an avid reader of true crime. Joe had a strong faith which helped him through some rough times mentally and physically. He was a communicant of St. Augustine Church in Providence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph’s name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 154 Waterman St., Suite 5B, Providence, RI 02906.

His funeral will be held on Friday, December, 12, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. from the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith Street, North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.