Joseph Walter Zajac Jr.

Joseph Walter Zajac Jr. (Ret. Lt., N.P.P.D.), 85, of Johnston, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Providence on April 6, 1941, he was the son of the late Joseph W. and Anna (Grenkiewicz) Zajac Sr.

Joseph was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances (Holden) Zajac, who passed away on July 15, 2019. They were married in Central Falls on December 28, 1963, and soon after moved to Fort Ord (Salinas), California while Joseph served in the United States Army. Upon receiving active-duty orders, Joseph returned with Frances and their young daughter to Rhode Island while he bravely served in Vietnam until November 1965.

After returning home, Joseph began a long and distinguished career with the North Providence Police Department. Over 20 years of dedicated service, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and served as Day Commander before retiring in 1986. Never one to remain idle, he continued serving his community as a 911 operator beginning in 1988, where he spent another 20 years offering guidance and assistance in times of need.

Joseph was deeply involved in several organizations that reflected his commitment to community and camaraderie, including the Fraternal Order of Police, Geneva Sportsman’s Club, Knights of Columbus, VFW and a volunteer for the Geneva Fire Department. He also cherished his time on the golf course, enjoying weekly outings with friends. One of his greatest joys was attending monthly lunches, most recently at Mike’s Kitchen with his fellow North Providence Police Department colleagues.

He was a loving and devoted father to Jo-Ann Joyal and her husband Peter; Joseph W. Zajac III and his wife Lori; Michael Zajac and his wife Christine; and Karen Zajac and her partner Mario. He was the cherished grandfather of Matthew (and his wife Jennifer), Nathan (and his wife Elizabeth), Joyal, Michael, Cole, Ava, Paige, Nico, Isabella, and Rocco; and the treasured great-grandfather of Eloi, Eleanor, and Sawyer.

Donations in Joseph’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 20 Hemingway Drive, East Providence, RI 02915.