Retired Providence Firefighter, Joseph Francis Dorsey, Dies at 72

Retired Providence Firefighter, Joseph Francis Dorsey, Dies at 72

Joseph Francis Dorsey, age 72, passed away tragically in the comfort of his home, at 1665 East Wallum Lake Road on the morning of January 10th, 2022.

Born in Providence, Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Marie (Heon) Dorsey and Joseph F. Dorsey, and a sister, Patricia Dorsey. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue Ellen (George) Dorsey; a brother, David Dorsey of Cranston; three children: Joseph D. Dorsey, Christopher Dorsey & Sean Dorsey, all of Burrillville; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Joseph was a resident of Pascoag for 42 years. He loved his home and helped build it. He pursued his life-long career as a Providence Firefighter, beginning on the Ladder company for fifteen years and getting promoted to Arson Investigator for 15 years. Always pushing himself to be better, he received awards and certifications from the National Fire Academy, International Association of Arson Investigators, FBI Blast Explosions and Response and Investigation, and ATF Fire and Explosion Certifications. He received the Providence Police Academy Certification of Merit and Response to Terrorist Bombings Accreditation. He received over fifty certificates and written acknowledgments from Mayors, Governors, Fire Chiefs, Lieutenants, and Judges. He retired in 2009 and only used six days of sick time in 30 years.

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He took great interest in politics, leading him to a decade of work on the Burrillville Town Council. He also had a passion for riding his motorcycles, hiking and visiting the White Mountains, fishing, and old TV Westerns. Spending time with his three sons always made him feel complete. He was a lover of nature and of animals, especially dogs and turtles. He was a humble man, always offering help to anyone in need and never wanting to ask for anything even when he himself was the one in need. He was a man of his values and couldn't be swayed, always wholeheartedly understanding and never liked to let things escalate. He had great skill in staying calm during a crisis. He carried a soft voice when talking to you and was never heard speaking bad about anyone; although he never missed a chance for a little humor or sarcasm. Joseph was a "one of a kind" man, who will never be forgotten and will be missed eternally, leaving nothing but legacies to look up to and aim for.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Joseph on Saturday, January 15 at 10 am in St. Joseph's Church, 183 Sayles Ave., Pascoag.

Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Pascoag Main St., Burrillville.

Calling hours will be Friday, January 14 from 4 to 7 pm in the Boucher Funeral Home, 272 Sayles Ave., Pascoag.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907.

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