Joseph A. Walton, 81, of Punta Gorda, Florida died at home on Sunday, August 28, 2016 with his family at his bedside. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth A. (Betty) Walton for 61 years. He was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, April 12, 1935, to Catherine (Mangan) and Joseph Walton.

Joe grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island and attended Narragansett schools. At South Kingstown High School, Joe was a standout athlete, lettering in basketball and football. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty  Gadrow in February,1955 and together they raised four children, Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, Patricia and Joseph.

While working at Bostitch, and later General Dynamics, Joe attended the University of Rhode Island at night, receiving his bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1967. Joe served in the Rhode Island National Guard and the Army Reserves. The family moved to South Easton, MA. in 1966, where he was a member and past president of the Easton Lions Club, a member of Holy Cross Church, and served on the fields committee for the Oliver Ames High School.

Joe truly loved attending all of his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities, especially their sporting events. He was an avid, sometimes rowdy, Patriots and Red Sox fan. Joe enjoyed camping, skiing and being one of the “regulars” at the Hagerty cottage. In 1993 Joe and Betty moved to a cottage on Ezekiel Pond in Plymouth, MA. The next year, Joe retired as the manufacturing manager from Crosby Valve and Gauge and moved to Punta Gorda, FL; dividing his time between the two homes.

In retirement Joe & Betty took an extended trip around the U.S. and Europe and traveled to Hawaii and Alaska.Joe joined St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Punta Gorda, FL.,got two holes-in-one and golfed in Ireland. His Catholic faith was very important to him all through his life and he was an active member of the Sacred Heart Church.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, best friend, and caregiver, Betty; his dear children, daughters Elizabeth A. Walton, Mary Ellen Walton, Patricia J. (Steven) Duncan, and his son Joseph P. (Janine) Walton; his six grandchildren whom he adored, Elizabeth Anderson, Sarah and Andrew Duncan, and Sophie, Sadie, and Josie Walton. He also leaves in laws,  Reginald and Shirley Gadrow and Mary and Edwin Boynton and three cousins. Joe’s two caregivers, Valerie and Tammy became his dear friends. Their help and caring helped to make it possible for him to enjoy life at home these past two years.

Joe will be remembered by all as a kind, gentle, thoughtful man, a great husband, dad, granddad and friend.

Memorial contributions may be made to “My Brothers’ Keeper,” P.O. Box 338, Easton, MA, 02356 or St. Vincent de Paul Society, 25200 Airport Rd.,Punta Gorda, FL. 33950. A memorial mass for Joe will be held at Sacred Heart Church, Punta Gorda, Fl. on November 9, 2016 at eleven o'clock, followed by a reception at St. Andrews Gulf Club, Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda, Florida