Joseph Patrick Dalton, 84, of Bristol, R.I., died, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, peacefully at home with his family by his side. He was the husband of Maureen R. (Kearney) Dalton.

He was a proud Irishman and cultural rock of our family, who enjoyed sharing his life and times about growing up on the Falls Road in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was the son of the late William and Emily (McAllister) Dalton and the last surviving sibling to Jim, William, Francis, Jerry and Thomas. They shared a strong brotherhood that transcended time and distance.

He was the father of the late Thomas J. Dalton and is survived by two daughters, Caroline Marino and her husband Kenneth of Bristol, and Maureen Rose Dalton of Bristol; six grandchildren, Kimberly, Katelyn, Emily, Robert, Craig, and Ethan; and four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was proud to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures with them, such as feeding his backyard birds.

He lived a rich life filled with the company of his extended family both near and far.         

Mr. Dalton began his working career early on as a journeyman, working as a carpenter and boat builder on projects such as the SS Canberra of Belfast. In 1965, Joseph and his young family began their journey to emigrate to the U.S., first going to Canada and then settling in Bristol, R.I. It was here that they planted their Irish American roots. He felt blessed with the wonderful friends he developed.

In 1975, Joseph and his wife became American citizens. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July, where each year he would proudly display the U.S. and Irish flag at his annual backyard cookout for anyone who wished to come. He was also an avid fan of hockey and European football. His love for kids and sportsmanship led him to being instrumental in establishing the Warren Children’s Indoor Recreational Soccer League.

Above all, he had a deep faith and strong Christian values. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Bristol. He also worked at the St. Columban’s Seminary and the First Congregational Church of Bristol as a maintenance manager, where he made life- long friendships.

Joseph Dalton never parted ways without saying: “Good Bye and God Bless.” May God bless our beloved Joseph Dalton and hold him in the company of loved ones and friends that have passed, until we see him again at the Gates of Our Heavenly Father.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. from Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol, R.I.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, 4 Annawamscutt Road, Bristol, RI, 02809.

Information/On-line condolences please visit- www.wjsmithfh.com.