Joseph T. Teixeira, Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and family at his side on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. He was the husband of Linda M. Gray.

Born at home in Bristol and a lifelong resident of Bristol, he was the son of the late Mary (Cortellessa) and Joseph T. Teixeira.

Joseph graduated from Colt Memorial High School, Class of 1960, and went on to continue his education at the University of Rhode Island, earning his bachelor’s of science in Electrical Engineering, and the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned his master’s degree in Public Administration.

After college, Joseph worked as an electrical engineer supervisor at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center for 37 years before retiring in 1997. Joseph was a lifetime member of the Bristol Rescue Squad, where he was a Cardiac EMT and served a term as lieutenant. He also worked at HR Block as a registered tax preparer. Joseph lived and loved all things Disney.

In addition to his wife, Joseph is survived by his sister, Mary Louise Russo; his children, Elizabeth L. Coutu (Michael), Rachel M. Teixeira (Alexander), Catherine R. Ryckebusch (Matthew), James Foss, Janice Morse, and Judy Azzarone; his grandchildren, Myles Ryckebusch, Isabella Polombo, Natasha Polombo, Maximus Polombo, Jennifer Azzarone (Edwardo), John Azzarone (Kimberly), Richard Morse (Joan), Samuel Morse, Emily Morse, Sarah Morse; and his great-granddaughters, Jaelynn Garcia, Mia Ramos, Lilliana and Penelope Morse. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his four-legged friend, Maggie Mae.

In death Joseph is reunited with his parents and his sisters, Christine Atwood (Eugene) and Anne Wajda (Dennis), and former wife Marie.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, inside St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood St., Bristol. Visiting hours and flowers are respectfully omitted. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Bristol Rescue Squad, 4 Annawamscutt Drive, Bristol, RI, or to the Columban Fathers Home, 65 Ferry Road, Bristol, R.I.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at Colt State Park at the annual Father’s Day Picnic next year.

For obituary, online condolences, and directions please visit www.sansonefuneralhome.com.