Joseph Coelho, Sr., 78, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2020, at Roger Williams Hospital due to complications from diabetes. He was the husband of Dorothy (Mello) Coelho.

Joe was best known as a Bristol businessman.  He was the owner and operator of Safeway Disposal and co-founder of Safe-Way Auto Sales and Safeway Realty. He was a past member of the Bristol Rotary Club; Dreadnaught Fire Company and Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed fishing, golfing and especially the time he spent at the beach in Aruba over the past 35 years. Joe was proud to be chosen as Co-Chief Marshal of the Bristol Fourth of July celebration in 2009. 

He was most proud of the family that he leaves behind. His beloved wife of 61 years Dorothy; his son Joe Coelho Jr. and his wife Celeste; his grandchildren: Ryan Coelho and his wife Nancy; Stephen Coelho and his wife Courtney; Mallory Parker and her husband David; and great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Rose, Sara, Amelia and Cecelia.

Joe was born in Rehoboth, Mass., but moved to Bristol and loved being a part of his hometown.  He was the son of the late Anthony Coite and Mary (Alves). He was the brother of Elsie (Anthony) Avila, Raymond Coelho and Elizabeth (Shirley) Waters. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Coelho and Anthony Coite.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Elizabeth Church on Dec. 30. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to: St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood St., Bristol, RI 02809 .

Arrangements were with the George C. Lima Funeral Home.

www.limafh.com