Joe Natalizia Memorial Fund

Joe Natalizia passed away on December 12, 2019 after complications of strokes that had placed him in a nursing home 9 years earlier. He leaves behind two young adult children, this fund is to pay for funeral expenses and assist his children during this difficult time. 

Background

Joe grew up in Smithfield RI in a family with 5 brothers and sisters. He was a multi-talented craftsman and salesman who built his own house.  Nine years ago, he suffered two massive strokes which left him partially paralyzed, caused loss of sight in one eye and without the ability to speak. 

Joe’s ability to understand and work with the mechanical world was unparalleled. He was a talented multi-craftsman and became a professional-level carpenter, cabinetmaker, machinist, welder, plastics fabricator, inspection radiographer, and EDM specialty machine programmer. On the side, he developed skills in auto and motorcycle repair, excavator operation, surveying, and electronics. In the latter part of his career he became an accomplished salesman and ran an e-commerce business. 

Joe was able to survive and thrive in a nursing home. He learned to live with massive brain damage and being unable to care for himself, relying on the care of his family and the caring staff at his nursing home. Joseph died unexpectedly from natural causes on 12/12/19, leaving Molly and George without a dad.