Joseph W. Victoria Jr. died peacefully Saturday, May 9, at the age of 72 to enter eternal life with our Lord Jesus after a one-year battle with cancer. Born and raised in Bristol, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Joseph W. Victoria Sr. and Antonetta (Palma) Victoria.

The oldest sibling of four children, he is survived by his younger brother, Gary Victoria, and his sister, Angela (Victoria) Marshall. He also leaves behind several cousins who were very important to him, a niece Maegan, nephew Joseph and two great-nieces. He was the brother of the late William Victoria.

His hobbies included bike riding, fishing and reading and spreading the word of God as he has always done. Growing up, he was a drummer for the Kinsmen Drum and bugle corps. He worked at several manufacturing companies before enlisting in the Rhode Island National Guard and was activated into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He worked as a custodian at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home. He then pursued a passion of his at North Pointe Bible College, where he studied to become a pastor. Later in his life he was a tractor trailer driver where he spent several years traveling the country, until he returned to Rhode Island, where he spent the rest of his life. He enjoyed his apartment in Riverside because he had easy access to the bike bath and to fishing piers.

Joseph lived a very simple life because that was his style. Towards the end, he did have help from the nursing staff from Beacon Hospice, of which he was very thankful. He also was very thankful for the time he got to spend with any of his family members.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Boulevard, East Providence, R.I. 02914, or to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.  For online guest book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.  Arrangements with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.