Joseph W. Lydon, III

Joseph W. Lydon, III, 72, of North Kingstown, formerly of Rumford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 3, 2026 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center.   He was the loving husband of Louise (Navoni) Lydon.  Born in Needham, MA, he was a son of the late Joseph W. Lydon, Jr. and Helen A. (Gladu) Lydon.

Mr. Lydon proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 38 years.  Colonel Lydon was a decorated combat veteran, serving as an Infantry Officer and command Marines at every level from platoon to regiment.  He participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  He held the assignment of Chief, Joint Operations Center, US Central Command for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and his last active duty assignment was as the Senior Marine, Afghanistan from 2006 to 2008.  

In his civilian career, he worked successfully in business, defense contracting, and most notably in education where he was a teacher, coach, and administrator.  

Joe loved biking, reading, and was a lifelong learner of history and archeology. Joe enjoyed running and he was proud to say he ran the Marine Corps Marathon!! 

In addition to his wife, he leaves his loving children, Kelly A. Lydon White & her husband Daniel of East Greenwich, Michael J. Lydon of Hope Valley, and Emily M. Lydon of Cranston. Cherished grandfather of Finley White, Fiona White, Lilliana Franchetti, Amalia Franchetti, Santino Franchetti, and Theodore Lydon.  Cherished brother of Theresa Azzariti of Florida and John Lydon of New Hampshire.  

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 10:30 AM in St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

Calling Hours will be held Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 will be appreciated.

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