James F. Gavin
Decorated Navy veteran, avid volunteer
Ret. Capt. James Francis Gavin, USN, 86, of 5 Barbara St., Newport, died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002, at Village House in Newport. He was the husband of Gertrude (Newman) Gavin. Born in Boston on Sept. 4, 1916, he was a son of the late James F. and Adeline (McGinley) Gavin. Capt. Gavin was raised in Albany, N.Y. He graduated in 1937 from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1941. During World War II, he spent three years on the U.S.S. Hogan, participating in the invasion of North Africa and received one battle star. He was engaged in many of the battles of the Pacific, receiving five battle stars in the Pacific Theater and two battle stars in the Phillipine Liberation. During the Korean Conflict, Capt. Gavin was aide and flag secretary to Commander Mine Forces, Pacific Fleet from 1950 to 1952. From 1952 to 1955, he was executive officer of the U.S.S. Gatling. From 1955 to 1958 and 1964 to 1966, he was in the Bureau of Naval Personnel. He was the commanding officer of the U.S.S. William R. Rush from 1958 to 1960. From 1961 to 1962, Capt. Gavin was the commander of the Destroyer Squadron Eight. He was staff commander of the Cruiser Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet, from 1962 to 1964. He retired from the Navy in 1966. After retiring from the Navy, Capt. Gavin became the executive director of the Battleship Massachusetts from 1966 to 1970. From 1970 to 1973, he was executive director of the Newport County Law Enforcement Commission and from 1973 to 1979 was a field representative of the Rhode Island Governor's Justice Commission. He also served on the board of directors of the U.S.S. Massachusetts Memorial from 1966 to 1997. Capt. Gavin was a volunteer for many years at both Newport Hospital and the St. Joseph's Soup Kitchen. He was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Newport Council, and a lector and eucharistic minister at St. Joseph's Church, where he served on the parish council for many years and was a former council president. In 1995, Capt. Gavin was volunteer of the year at Newport Hospital. He was the founder and first president of the "Tin Can Sailors" organization in the 1980s. He was president of the Holy Cross Club of Rhode Island and was named Crusader of the Year. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Auxillary. He enjoyed sports, swimming and his family and was an avid Red Sox fan. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Capt. Gavin leaves two sons, James F. Gavin Jr. of Middletown and Kevin P. Gavin of Portsmouth; three daughters, Judith Gleason of Charlestown, Kathleen Randall of Taunton, Mass., and Karen Gavin of North Kingstown; and 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was the brother of the late Franklin P. and J. Robert Gavin. His funeral was held Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, from the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph's Church in Newport. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 245 Waterman St., Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.

Douglas L. Grote
Veteran, wounded in World War II
Douglas L. Grote, 88, of Vero Beach, Fla. and formerly of Barrington, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002 at the Wuesthoff Progressive Care Center in Melbourne, Fla. He was the husband of H. "Teddy" (Gants) Grote. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., a son of the late Henry S. and Miriam (Lucas) Grote, he lived in Barrington before moving to Florida 22 years ago. Mr. Grote worked for Textron in Providence for 29 years, retiring as vice president of pension and employee benefits. A graduate of Arkansas State University, he was also a CPA. Mr. Grote was a United States Army veteran of World War II, and received the Purple Heart Medal after being wounded in action. He was a former member of the Barrington Planning Board, Rhode Island Country Club, the Barrington Yacht Club and the Elks Club of Jupiter, Fla. He was an avid fisherman aboard the boat Silver Heels. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Allyson L. Allen of Melbourne and Elyse M. Cute of Sebastian, Fla.; a son, Douglas E. Grote of St. Augustine, Fla.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 14, in Florida.

Mary Kilmarx
Memorial service planned for Sept. 30
A memorial service for Mary Kilmarx, 74, of 56 Elm Lane, will be held at noon Monday, Sept. 30, in the First Unitarian Church on Benefit Street, Providence. Mrs. Kilmarx, a three-term Democratic legislator from Barrington and a former commissioner with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, died Tuesday, June 11, following a stroke. She was married for over 50 years to Robert D. Kilmarx, a retired founding partner of the legal firm Davis, Kilmarx, Swan and Bowling. Throughout her long career, Mrs. Kilmarx focused primarily on energy efficiency and renewable energy, and served three terms in the general assembly, from 1974 to 1980. Besides her husband, she leaves a large family and untold numbers of friends across Rhode Island and the United States. The public is welcome to attend the memorial service.

Ethyle Johnson
Leaves family in Barrington
Ethyle Sydney (Pepper) Johnson, 88, of Riverside, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2002 at Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick. She was the wife of Carl E. Johnson. Born in Cranston, a daughter of the late Harry and Rose Ann (McNally) Pepper, she was a lifelong resident of Riverside. She was a homemaker. Besides her husband, Mrs. Johnson leaves a daughter, Elaine Logan, and a grandson, Scott Logan, both of Barrington. She was the sister of the late Gladys Smith and Lillian Grubman. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Sept. 16, in St. Brendan Church in Riverside. Burial followed in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.

Edward Ferreira Jr.
Truck driver, lifelong Warren resident
Edward Ferreira Jr., 69, of Baker Street, died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at home. He was the husband of the late Shirley (Brazil) Ferreira. Born in Warren, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Mary Gloria (Mello) Ferreira. He was a lifelong resident of the town. Mr. Ferreira was a truck driver for the former AMI, now Penske, for many years. A Navy veteran of the Korean War, he served as an aviation machinists mate. He was a yacht captain for John Labatts (of Labatts Beer) for seven years, serving on a 93-foot vessel and sailing the Great Lakes and as far south as Trinidad. At the time, he was the youngest captain to navigate the Panama Canal. He was communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and was an avid NASCAR fan. He leaves a daughter, Laurie A. Ferreira of Johnston; two sons, Paul E. Ferreira of Warren and David Ferreira of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; a brother, J. Roger Ferreira of Riverside; two sisters, Beatrice Robbins and Dorothy Dutra, both of Warren; and three grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Evelyn Tavares and Gloria Bouffard. Mr. Ferreira's funeral was on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from the William J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He was buried in Jean Baptiste Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 400 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860.

William E. Twomey
World War II Navy veteran
William Earl Twomey, 79, of 6 Debra Drive, Portsmouth, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002, at Silver Creek Manor Nursing Home in Bristol. He was the husband of Florence (Vadnais) Twomey. Born in Providence, Mr. Twomey was the son of the late William Earl and Lucy (Higgins) Twomey. He had worked for 20 years as an installer for the former New England Telephone Company before retiring in 1968. He was a member of Telephone Pioneers of America. He was also a Navy veteran of World War II, serving in the invasion of the Marshall Islands and retiring as a chief warrant officer. In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, William Edward Twomey of Seattle and Michael Steven Twomey of Portsmouth, N.H.; two daughters, Barbara Ann Roberts of Plymouth, Mass., and Elizabeth Ann Halliwell of North Smithfield; and five grandchildren. His funeral was held Wednesday from Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial on Chapel of Hope in Newport. Burial was in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.

Arthur R. Pimental
Retired mason, World War II veteran
Arthur R. Pimental, 81, of Pocasset Avenue, Tiverton, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was the husband of Mabel (Santos) Pimental. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Antonio and Sylvana (Medeiros) Pimental. He had lived in Tiverton for 44 years. Mr. Pimental worked as a mason with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman, Locals 11, 39 and 3 in eastern Massachusetts for many years before retiring. After his retirement, he owned and operated Art's Auto Sales in Tiverton. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in Company B of the 825th Tank Destroyer battalion. He received several ribbons and medals for his service and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Tiverton. Mr. Pimental was a member of Holy Ghost Church. In addition to his wife, he leaves five daughters, Patricia Priestner and Sheila Pimental, both of Tiverton, Nancy Blanchard of West Barnstable, Mass., Lynne Coughlan of Yarmouthport, Mass., and Cheryl Morgan of Mount Laurel, N.H.; a brother, Alfred R. Pimental and a sister, Lydia Aguiar, both of New Bedford, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews. He was a brother of the late Manuel, Antone and James Pimental. His funeral will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, at 7:45 a.m. from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, 1521 North main St., Fall River, with a funeral Mass at 9 a.m. in Holy Ghost Church, Judson Street, Tiverton. Burial will be in Pocasset Hill Cemetery in Tiverton.

Stevan A. Anthony
Service is Oct. 12
A memorial service for Stevan Alan Anthony, who died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, in Key West, Fla., will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, East Main Road, Portsmouth. Mr. Anthony, 55, a son of the late Seth R. and F. Jeannette (Porter) Anthony, was born in Fall River and had lived in Portsmouth. He was a longtime marine carpenter in Key West and served in the Coast Guard during World War II. Memorial donations may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, P.O. Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.

Millicent E. Bagley
Active at St. Mary's Church, Preservation Society guide
Millicent Elinor (Donnelly) Bagley, 74, of Indian Avenue, Portsmouth, died on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002 at Newport Hospital. She was the wife of the late John Bodell Bagley. Born in Clinton, Mass. on Aug. 25, 1928, she was a daughter of the late James and Mildred (Manning) Donnelly. A graduate of Elmira College in New York, Class of 1949, she became an administrative assistant after her husband's death for VITRO Corp. of Middletown from 1980 to 1993, and then became a guide for the Preservation Society of Newport and Bristol Counties, working in several of the homes. She was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth where she was a former member of the Altar Guild and the Episcopal Church Women and had served as a volunteer at the church thrift shop. She was an expert using a needle, doing needlepoint knitting projects for family and friends. She enjoyed listening to good music and reading. She leaves a son, John Bodell Bagley Jr. of Portsmouth; two brothers, James Donnelly of Lincoln and John Donnelly of Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Joan Crane of Albany, N.Y.; one grandson, several nieces and nephews and several great nieces and great nephews. She was the sister of the late Allen and Elliot Donnelly. A Eucharist of the Resurrection was celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 8 in St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Burial was in St. Mary's Churchyard, Portsmouth. Memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, Hospice Unit, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or to the St. Mary's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Sebastian Negro
Retired machine operator, World War II Army veteran
Sebastian "Bucky" Negro, 76, of 16 Roma St., died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002, at Miriam Hospital in Providence. He was the son of the late Giuseppe and Josephine (Fama) Negro. Born in Bristol and a lifelong resident, he was a machine operator at the former Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. for 41 years. He worked at both the Bristol and Portsmouth plants and retired in 1984. During World War II, Mr. Negro served in the United States Army in Central Europe. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and a member of the Anthony C. Almeida Post #237 V.F.W. Mr. Negro leaves a brother, Joseph F. Negro of Bristol and a longtime companion, Elizabeth LeHay of Warwick. Mr. Negro was also the brother of the late Rev. Carmelo Negro, C.S. and Anthony Negro. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, from the Sansone Funeral Home at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI, 02809

Helen Dopart
50-year Tiverton resident, member of Central Baptist
Helen (Ryba) Dopart, 82, of 1025 Main Road, Tiverton, died on Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River. She was the wife of the late Edward John Dopart. Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline (Lapacki) Ryba, she had lived in Tiverton for 50 years. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Dopart was a member of Central Baptist Church in Tiverton. She leaves a son, Edward J. Dopart Jr. of Tiverton; two daughters, Linda Lacer and Nancy Kenney, both of Middletown; a brother, Edward Ryba of Long Island, N.Y.; and a grandson. Her memorial service was held on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Central Baptist Church, Tiverton. Arrangements were by the Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Tiverton.

John J. O'Reilly
Leaves daughter in Barrington
John J. O'Reilly, 89, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002 at Pascack Valley Hospital in New Jersey. He was the husband of Mary Jane (Creed) O'Reilly. Born in Worcester, Mass., he was an accountant for Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, N.J. for 25 years. He also worked for Ambassador Insurance in Montpelier, Vt. before retiring in 1992. A 1936 graduate of Brown University, Mr. O'Reilly was a member of the Brown football team, where he still holds the school record for the longest punt return for a touchdown in history. A founder of the North Jersey Brown Alumni Association, Mr. O'Reilly was also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta, the Brown football association, as well as the Ivy League football association. He was a Lt. Commander for the United States Navy in World War II. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Mary C. (O'Reilly) Dunn of Barrington and Patricia A. Keller; and four sons, John J. O'Reilly Jr., Daniel A. O'Reilly, Timothy P. O'Reilly and Peter P. O'Reilly. A private service was held Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Church of St. John. the Baptist in Hillsdale, N.J.

Emile J. Chouinard
Retired police officer, World War II veteran
Emile J. Chouinard, 87, of Sakonnet Bay Manor, Main Road, Tiverton, and formerly of Fall River, died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at Clifton Rehabilitative Nursing Center in Somerset. He was the husband of Cecile A. (Caron) Chouinard. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Antoine and Clarina (Joubert) Chouinard. He had lived in Fall River most of his life before moving to Tiverton four years ago. Mr. Chouinard was a member of the Fall River Police Department for 26 years before retiring. He previously worked as a machinist at Fairhope Fabrics. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association, Fall River Police Relief Association and the Fall River Retired Municipal Employees Association. Mr. Chouinard was also a member of the St. Anne Fraternity, the Liberal Club, the Franco American Civil League, the Holy Name Society of St. Anne Parish and the Knights of Columbus in Tiverton. In addition to his wife, he leaves two sisters, Helen LaBrie and Rhea Byron, both of Fall River; a brother, Wilfred Chouinard of Fall River; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Delia Deschenes, Diana Thibault, Doris Ritz and Odilon, Arthur, Adrien, Edmond and Alfred Chouinard. His funeral was held Friday, Oct. 4 from Auclair Funeral Home in Fall River, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anne's Church in Fall River. Entombment was in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum in Fall River.

Rudolph Marcello
Lifelong resident of Barrington
Rudolph "Nick" Marcello, 82 of Maple Avenue, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002 at home. He was a son of the late Peter and Jannie (DelSanto) Marcello. Mr. Marcello had been a carpenter for 65 years, retiring in 1985. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II. He leaves a son, James C. Marcello of Stetson, Maine; a brother, Arthur T. Marcello of Barrington; and five grandchildren. He was a brother of the late Gayton Marcello. A graveside committal service was held Wednesday, Oct. 2 in Santa Maria del Campo Cemetery, Barrington.

Raymond J. Walsh Sr.
Sports enthusiast, Korean War veteran
Raymond J. Walsh Sr., 68, of Riverside, died Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. He was the husband of the late Dorothy E. (Heywood) Walsh. Born in Lincoln, he was a son of the late Hugh J. and Esther C. (Goodwin) Walsh. Mr. Walsh was the supervisor of the produce department for the former Almac's Supermarket for 27 years before retiring in 1996. A sports enthusiast, he coached the Riverside Raiders and East Providence Mohawks football teams for 25 years. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean War and a volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Mr. Walsh enjoyed traveling. He leaves a daughter, Nancy A. Walsh, of Riverside; two sons, David W. Walsh of Rumford and Raymond J. Walsh Jr. of East Providence; two brothers, John "Red" Walsh of Warwick and Dennis P. Walsh of Jamestown; three sisters, Alice Ferrands of Coventry, Conn., Margaret Kent of Providence and Esther Lane of Central Falls; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 11, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home in Riverside with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Jean the Baptist Church in Warren. Burial followed in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. Contributions in Mr. Walsh's memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, 400 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI, 02860.

Charles Casimiro
Korean War veteran, born in New Bedford
Charles Casimiro, 65, of Monterey Drive, died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. He was the husband of Nancy (Yared) Casimiro. Born in New Bedford, a son of the late Charles and Mary (Mello) Casimiro, he had lived in New Bedford and Barrington before moving to Bristol 25 years ago. A United States Army veteran of the Korean War and a member of American Legion Post 10 in Riverside, Mr. Casimiro worked as an expediter for Raytheon Corp. for 28 years, retiring in 1995. He served as an usher at St. Elizabeth Church in Bristol, and was a graduate of New Bedford High School. Besides his wife, he leaves a brother, George Casimiro in Missouri; and two sisters, Irene Andrade of Seekonk and Emily Fernandes of Bristol. He was the brother of the late Anthony Casimiro. His funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 16, from the George C. Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Elizabeth Church. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Irene Borges
Lifelong resident, worked at Converse Rubber Co.
Irene (Pacheco) Borges, 71, of Fox Hill Ave., died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002, at her home. She was the wife of Angelo F. Borges. Born in Bristol and a life long resident of the town, she was the daughter of Manuel and Irene (Arruda) Pacheco. Mrs. Borges attended Bristol schools and was a laborer at the former Converse Rubber Company for 35 years. In addition to her husband, she leaves a daughter, Donna M. Borges of Bristol and a granddaughter, Paula J. Couto of Bristol. She was the sister of the late Henry W. Pacheco. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 17, from the George C. Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Elizabeth's Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Diane Ruth Passan
Member of United Brother's Synagogue
Diane Ruth Passan, 58, of 291 High St., died Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002, at her residence. She was the wife of Gary Watros. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Roy and Margie (Oster) Passan. She lived in Natick, Mass. for many years before moving to Bristol one year ago. Ms. Passan was the laboratory manager for Radiology Research at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston for 28 years. She was a member of the United Brother's Synagogue, and the Newton, Mass. Choral Society and Interfaith Choir. Ms. Passan is an Ohio State University graduate. In addition to her husband, she leaves a son, Adam Staley of Bristol; a daughter, Juliane Watros, of Bristol and a brother, Richard Passan of Solon, Ohio. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at their home, 291 High St., on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. and to attend a graveside service Monday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. at Juniper Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice Outreach of Fall River, 502 Bedford St., Fall River, MA, 02720

Margaret M. Buba
Operated Senior Center Thrift Shop since 1987
Margaret M. Buba, 87, of 269 Riverside St., Portsmouth, died on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River. She was the wife of the late Alexander Buba. Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Joseph A. and Phyllis (Carrr) McElroy. Mrs. Buba was employed by the Korber Hat Manufacturing Co. until her retirement. She operated the Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center Thrift Shop since 1987. Mrs. Buba was a member of the Portsmouth Forever Young Club and former president of United Cap and Millinery Workers Union. She was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. She leaves a son, Thomas A. Buba of Milton, Mass.; a daughter, Margaret A. Fiola of Fall River; a brother, Joseph A. McElroy of Randolph, Mass.; a stepbrother, Louise LePage of Portsmouth; a stepsister, Lillian Turek of Tampa, Fla.; seven grandchildren, three grea-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Ada Long, Grace Rioux and Phyllis LePage. Her funeral was on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from the Boyko Funeral Home, Fall River, with a funeral Mass in St. Anthony's Church, Portsmouth. Burial was in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.

A. Edward Broomhead
Celebrated bird carver, World War II veteran
A. Edward Broomhead, 75, 527 High Meadow Court, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2002, at Evergreen House Health Center in East Providence. He was the husband of Virginia (Heal) Broomhead, to whom he was married for 50 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Charles A. and Martha (Hall) Broomhead. He moved to Bristol in 1990. He was the owner of the former Graphics One of Providence for more than 25 years and later became an art director at Roger Williams University. He was a noted artist and bird carver whose works were recognized throughout New England. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving on the S.S. Yorktown. Besides his wife, Mr. Broomhead leaves two sons, Peter Broomhead of Barrington and Jonathan Broomhead of Hope; a daughter, Elizabeth Dean of Westbrook, Conn.; a brother, Robert Broomhead of Portsmouth; a sister, Carolyn Pearson of Portsmouth and several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Memorial services were held Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home in Warren.

Russell G. Eldridge
Former engineer, world traveler
Russell Gordon Eldridge, 67, of 239 Fairview Lane, Portsmouth, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002, at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Julie (Bernardo) Eldridge. Born in Barrington on Feb. 3, 1935, he was the son of the late Irving R. and Annabelle (Booth) Eldridge. In 1957, he graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, with a B.S. in marine engineering. As a cadet, he sailed to south and east Africa aboard the Robin Lines, from New York to Central America aboard the Grace Lines, from New York to the east coast of South America with Moore-McCormack Lines and on a Socony Mobil tanker supplying fuel to the northeast. After graduation, he relocated to New Orleans and sailed as a marine engineer from New Orleans to the east coast of South America with Delta Lines. He returned in 1959 and worked extensively as a fire protection engineer with the Factory Mutual System. He changed to valve engineering and eventually to valve sales management. He retired in 1994 as a regional sales manager. Mr. Eldridge traveled extensively and recently returned from a trip to Korea and Bali. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Irving R. Eldridge of Roswell, Ga. A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 281 High St., Bristol. Burial will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals, P.O. Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.

Lillian M. Mello
Resident most of life
Lillian M. (Tafe) Mello, 87, of McGregor, Texas, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2002, at Providence Health Center in Waco, Texas. She was the wife of the late Manuel Mello. Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late James and Annie (Bird) Tafe. She was a quality control inspector at American Tourister before retiring in 1976. She was a Bristol resident for most of her life, moving to Texas in 1991 with her son Joseph and daughter-in-law Reta. She leaves two sons, Joseph Mello of Nolanville, Texas, and James L. Mello of Bristol; two daughters, Joan A. Polson of Sandy, Utah, and Kathleen A. Mendes of Danville, Vt.; a sister, Kathleen Annarummo of Swansea; ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter. She was also the sister of the late Fred, Joseph, James and John Tafe, Evelyn Silva and Mildred Botello. Funeral services will be Friday, Oct. 18, 2002, from the Wilbur Romano Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Thomas the Apostle in Warren. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery in Fall River.