Joseph Arthur Yelle

Joseph Arthur Yelle Jr., 84, of Cumberland, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 6, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Peterson) Yelle.

Born in Central Falls, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Rita (Menard) Yelle.

Joe was an avid sports fan who loved everything from NASCAR to golf. He enjoyed watching all sports, especially the New England teams, and never missed a Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, or Patriots game. He was also a Providence College basketball season ticket holder for many years. Joe played many different sports throughout his life, especially softball, where he was known as the "home run king." He was a member of the Fall River Country Club, where he enjoyed playing a round of golf with good friends and spending time at the 19th hole.

He owned and operated P-Jay’s Pub in Central Falls, Rhode Island, for 31 years. Joe founded the Blackstone Valley Pool League, which grew to include 14 local bars and over 300 players. He started the league so men and women could play pool, build lifelong friendships, and support local bar owners. Through the league, he supported organizations such as Meeting Street School and Make-A-Wish, as well as friends in need. The Blackstone Valley Pool League was the first of its kind in the Pawtucket/Central Falls area and remains active today. Joe made many lifelong friends through the league and cherished their shared trips, including the annual Memorial Day trips to Nova Scotia.

Besides his wife, Joseph is survived by his children, Renee (Yelle) Holbrook and her husband David of Pawtucket, and Michael Yelle of Pawtucket; his grandchildren, Sarah Kaiser and her husband Ken of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and Alex Yelle and his wife Amie of North Providence; and his great-grandchildren, Noah Kaiser, Kingsley Kaiser, Marleigh Yelle, and Braelynn Yelle. His great-grandchildren were his world, and he loved bragging about them. He was the brother of the late Theresa (Yelle) Lovell.

Funeral and Burial will be private.