Joel D. Mathews

Joel D Mathews, 77, died peacefully on June 17, 2023 at the Hope Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI.

Joel was born and raised in Mt. Airy, NJ. He was the son of the late Stanley and Cora Mathews and the brother of Eleanor Billiat of Delaware. He relocated to Rhode Island to attend the RI School of Design in 1964.

Trained as an architect, Joel spent most of his career as the Director of Planning and Development for the city of Woonsocket, RI. He worked for the city for over 45 years under the direction of eight different mayors and administrations. Joel was instrumental in bringing some of the city's most ambitious parks, school construction, and redevelopment projects to fruition.

Joel loved the beach and spent time outdoors whenever he had the chance. An avid traveler, he always took joy in planning detailed itineraries for trips with his family. He remained physically active throughout his life and enjoyed running and biking on trails throughout the region. He ran the Boston Marathon several times, most recently in 2002.

As a New England sports fan, Joel made many trips to Fenway, Foxboro, and the Garden. His family and friends will fondly remember attending games with him and his uncanny ability to somehow find the tickets that nobody else could find.

Joel leaves three children: Lisa Janicki and her husband Allen, of Albion, RI and Christian Mathews and his fiancée Julia Price of Lancaster, PA. Later in life, Joel adopted his stepdaughter: Charissa Lapierre. In addition to his children, he is survived by three grandchildren: Hannah, Thomas, and Abigail Janicki of Albion, RI.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call prior to the service from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. His burial will take place at a later date in Mount Airy Cemetery, Lambertville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated. For directions and guest book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joel D. Mathews, please visit our floral store.