North Smithfield – Dr. Joseph P. Sowa, DMD, 94, of North Smithfield and formerly of Lincoln, passed away Friday, September 7, 2018 at St. Antoine Residence, North Smithfield surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Grace (McDonald) Sowa having celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this last August. Born in Central Falls, RI, he was the son of Phillip and Honorata “Nora” (Strzempka) Sowa.
He graduated from Central Falls High School and entered the Army serving in the European Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1945. He graduated from Boston College and then Tufts University Dental School, being awarded the Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree.
He practiced General Dentistry for 50 years in Pawtucket and Lincoln. In recognition of his contributions to the Profession, he was honored as a Fellow of the American College of Dentistry. He was an active member of the community donating his time both as the School Dentist in Central Falls for many years and also as Dentist at the Central Falls Dental Clinic.
He was Past President of the Cumberland/Lincoln Rotary Club and a Past President of the Rhode Island Dental Society, where he was instrumental in promoting Oral Cancer Detection Clinics throughout the state. As an active member of St. Jude’s Parish in Lincoln, he was Past President of the Parish Council. Besides his beloved wife, he is survived by his loving children: Joseph Jonathan Sowa and his wife Pamela, Donald J. Sowa and his wife Kathleen, and Dr. Thomas J. Sowa, DC, all of Cumberland; Dr. Stephen J. Sowa, DMD and his wife Dr. Marta Sowa, MD, and Dr. C. Alan Sowa, DC and his wife Theresa, all of Lincoln; and Dr. David E. Sowa, MD and his wife Elise of Southington, CT.
He was devoted to his 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, all of whom loved their “Dziadziu”. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward Sowa, the late Mary Pavlowski, the late Carol Ryfa, the late John Sowa, and the late Stanley Sowa.
His visitation will be held Sunday, September 16th from 2:00-5:00 PM at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, September 17th at 10:00 AM at St. Jude’s Church, 301 Front Street, Lincoln. His burial, with military honors, will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in the name of Dr. Joseph P. Sowa to the St. Antoine’s Program Fund for the Memory Care Unit, 10 Rhodes Avenue, North Smithfield, RI 02896. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www. bellowsfuneralchapel.com .
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