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Joseph “Joe”Praino
10/27/1932 — 09/14/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Northwood, MA
Rosary/Viewing
Funeral Mass
Graveside
Reception
Joseph “Joe”Praino
Joseph J. Praino was born on October 27, 1932 in Norwood, Massachusetts. He died peacefully on September 14, 2025 in Richland, WA. Joe was the third son and the fifth of nine children born to Joe and Madeline (Scannell) Praino.
1955 was an exciting year for Joe. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Sergeant (E.5) in February. He married the love of his life, Mary Folan in April and due to his military clearance got employed with General Electric. While working full-time he attended and graduated from Columbia Basin College in 1959. He continued to pursue a degree in Business Administration through correspondence school with Eastern. For his senior year he traveled back and forth from Richland to Cheney. He graduated in 1962. Forty years later, he retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories as a Business Administration Manager.
Joe was active in youth sports, YMCA and church league basketball and baseball (Little League to Legion) in Richland and Kennewick. After coaching, Joe was the announcer for the CBC Hawks, Richland Bombers, Richland Knights, Kennewick Dusters, and the Kennewick Bandits during various baseball seasons.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, a union that lasted for more than 56 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, grandson Luke LaSalle, brothers Edward Praino and Bob Praino, and sisters Madeline Pruell, Marion Sands, Marie Hand, and Margaret Ryan.
He is survived by his daughters: Cathie Tate and Sheila (John) LaSalle of West Richland and sons: Steve of Vancouver, WA, Jack (Esadeta) of Everett, WA, Dave (Lavonne) of Richland, WA. and Tim (Maren) of West Richland, WA., 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Marcia Praino of Norwood, MA and brother, Gerry of Norwood, MA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Burial and reception at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Event center to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church or a charity of your choice. Please express your thoughts and memories about Joe at the online guestbook at www.einansatsunset.com.
It was my good fortune to have worked with Joe early in my career, and his financial guidance and acumen certainly contributed to my job performance as well as my education in financial matters. Joe was one heck of a nice guy and a credit to the company and the community.
Our family met the Praino’s through baseball. We sat through lots of games rain or shine. We all remember Joe hollering, two strike hitter gets you a snika bah. Joe loved his family and his baseball.
The Praino family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God give peace and comfort in days to come.
Jimmy Boggs
Dawn Lea Boggs Hamilton
Sharon Boggs Norris Johnson
mr.praino was my first baseball coach in pony league . he worked with me and gave me confidence
to really give my best, I played in many games after his encouragement, thanks coach praino.
mich dickey.
Big Joe – what a great guy. I worked for Joe a number of years at Battelle. He was a great blend of fun, personable fellow buddy and solid boss and teacher. And his work with kids and Bomber support was unmatched. Condolences to the family but he’s one you can celebrate and be overly proud.
I worked in Sigma5 building for PNNL in the 1990s. (I was called Morgan Tampos then). Joe’s office was a little out of the way for me but on the same floor as mine. About once a week I would purposely detour to stop by and just chat with him for a few minutes – especially about baseball. He was an intelligent & fascinating man, dry witted, but very kind hearted beneath that wit.
Rather serendipitous that I am seeing this today (10/1), as I was just thinking about him a few days ago. I seem to recall that he followed the Boston Red Sox. I was just wondering what it would be like for him if they went to the World Series and played against the Mariners this year.
May his memory be a blessing. ✝️
And may our Lord comfort the hearts of his loved ones.
Hubba Hubba! Unmatched enthusiasm and commitment to kids! Unforgettable great guy, what a heck of a run he had with his life. Rest easy, Papa Joe.
Joe loved coaching with you and admired your ability to recall sporting events and the exact date they happened. You have a wonderful wife to get back to
Condolences’ to the family, Johnny as we called him was a great friend and neighbor when we lived next door to the Praino family in Richland. Will always treasure the times we spend with Johnny, Mary and the rest of the Praino family.
I pray that you his family, find peace and comfort during this time of sorrow. May God wrap his arms around each if you to give you strength and comfort.
Hugs and Prayers,
Lisa Seger
Guestbook for
Joseph “Joe”Praino