People are Loving Rhode Island Man’s Graveyard of ‘Deceased’ Businesses

This may be the scariest Halloween display in all of Rhode Island, simply because it pulls at all our heartstrings.

Joshua Patenaude of Smithfield is paying homage to the businesses that once reigned supreme in Rhode Island with his very own graveyard.

Check out the graveyard that has gone viral for its creativity and sense of nostalgia.

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Who Is Joshua Patenaude?

Joshua Patenaude was born and bred in Rhode Island. After 42 years in the Ocean State, he holds dear the memories of businesses that filled up his childhood.

“I remember the Anne and Hope carriage escalator, I remember the Rocky Point Cork Screw…but I miss Sear’s and Benny’s the most,” said Patenaude.

Designing the Bittersweet Graveyard for Halloween

Patenaude decided to start the Rhode Island business graveyard in 2021 to commemorate Benny’s and Toys R’ Us, and unfortunately, it has continued to grow.

The Smithfield native got creative when it came to putting this graveyard together.

“I’m a building engineer at one of the high rises in Providence and I took some scrap from the job, used a hot knife to cut the gravestones and spray painted them,” explained Patenaude.

Since 2021, Patenaude has added gravestones for Ann & Hope, Rocky Point, Radio Shack, Sears, Almac’s, Blockbuster, and Christmas Tree Shops.

And a tenth will be sadly added to commemorate McCoy Stadium.

“It’s been all good feedback,” said Patenaude of his viral success. “It brings up some good memories and sad memories for people, but it’s definitely cool how every one of these (businesses) means something to everyone. Everyone can relate and say ‘I remember.’”

Take a stroll through the Rhode Island graveyard and check out the video below.

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A post shared by Joshua Patenaude (@zj_josh)