Joseph J. Filip

Joseph "Joe" "Pa" John Filip, 97, of Blackstone Mass, passed away peacefully on May 19th, 2026 at the Friendly Home in Rhode Island. Born on August 6th, 1928, he was the son of the late Anthony and Ellen (Lynch) Filip residing in the town of Blackstone his entire life.

Joe was an athlete while in school with basketball being his preferred sport before graduating from Blackstone High School in 1947. From there Joe drove and delivered furniture for McCarthy's before entering the service where he proudly served in the Korean War. Upon arrival home from Korea, Joe got married, started a family and became the Town of Blackstone's favorite and friendliest mailman, eventually retiring with honors after 29 years of devoted service.

Joe really enjoyed reading history books, watching sports, doing puzzles, playing cards, and painting. His truest joy in life was raising his children and his grandchildren. Summers of family, fun, and sun at Hampton Beach were treasured dearly. He was in the stands for every game, competition, recital, parade, concert, first communion, confirmation, graduation, and wedding. He was the epitome of what a husband, father, and grandfather should be. There was nothing he couldn't do and did it all with the patience and kindness of an angel on earth.

Joe is survived by his children Gary Filip and his fiancée Kim, Gail and her husband David Dionne, and Tami Lemay; 4 grandchildren, Tashia and her husband Jay Roberts, Tabatha and her husband Steve Daigle, Heidi Lemay, and Kyle Lemay; 7 great grandchildren, Torri, Laini, Lehvi, Sadia, Harlo, Talula, and Jagger; a niece, Donna and her husband Bob Boronski, and two nephews, Jay and Kevin Breault. Besides his parents Joe was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Shirley (Barker) Filip, his sister Ann and her husband Joe Breault, and his son-in-law Michael Lemay.

The family would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to the staff at both the Friendly Home in Woonsocket RI and to Continuum Care of Rhode Island for the wonderful care they provided.

Family and Friends are welcome to attend visitation on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI. A funeral will follow on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10am with a burial at St. Charles Cemetery, Farm St, Blackstone MA.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in honor of Joe Filip to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as he was passionate about their cause. You can donate online at www.stjude.org , by mail at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or by phone 800-805-5856.

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