Thomas R. Buckles
Former resident of Barrington
Thomas Richard Buckles, 83, of Sun City Center, Fla. and formerly of Barrington, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at the Lifepath Hospice House in Sun City Center. He was the husband of Muriel E. Buckles; they had been married for 59 years. Born in New York City, a son of the late Thomas and Florence May (Lord) Buckles, he grew up in Newport, moved to Barrington and then to Warwick, before moving to Florida more than 20 years ago. A retired executive, he served his machinist apprenticeship at the former Brown and Sharpe Mfg. Co. in Providence and retired as president of CT Machinery Associates in Chester, Conn. He was a Mason and was active in several other social and civic endeavors. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Robert C. Buckles of Bradenton, Fla.; three daughters, Sandra L. Carlson of Providence, Patricia L. Pearson of Warwick and Amy Jane Brown in North Carolina; eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Funeral and burial services were private.

Joao Nogueira Moniz
Formererly of Warren, active on Holy Ghost committees
Joao Nogueira Moniz, 69, formerly of Stuart Street, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, in Cabouco Lagoa, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal. He was the husband of Maria Fernandez Moniz. Born in Villa de Agua de Pau, Azores, Mr. Moniz had lived in Bermuda for 30 years, before coming to the United States with his family in 1984. He returned to the Azores in 1999. Mr. Moniz had been employed at Eileen Darling's restaurant in Seekonk as a landscaper, before returning to the Azores where he farmed. He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Warren where he and his wife had served on the committee of the Holy Ghost. Mr. Moniz had hosted the crown for the Holy Ghost in their home in 1995. Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters, Lucy Camara in the Azores and Gorette Furtado and Maria Armstrong, both in Bermuda; two sons, John Moniz of North Kingstown and Alton Moniz in Canada; and seven grandchildren. A memorial Mass for Mr. Moniz will be celebrated on Sunday, Jan. 26, at noon, in St. Elizabeth Church, Bristol. He was buried in the Azores.

J. Powell Huie
WWI vet worked for Gulf Oil, rhododendron expert
James Powell Huie, 86, of Westport Point died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003, at Southcoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after an illness. He was the husband of Margaret (Farinick) Huie and the widower of Alice (Potter) Huie. Born in Pearsall, Texas, the son of the late Charles Lee Huie and Edna Mae (Powell) Huie, he lived in Westport since 1978. Mr. Huie formerly worked for Gulf Oil Corp. in Venezuela, Nigeria and England. He became district manager in Venezuela. Later he was the managing director of the Nigerian Gulf Oil Corp. and then was vice president of the Eastern Hemisphere operations in Angola for Gulf Oil. His last 10 years before retirement were spent as vice president of Gulf Oil Corp. in London, where he was responsible for exploration, drilling and production in the North Sea, Africa and the Middle East. While in London, he was on the board of directors of Kuwait Oil Co. Mr. Huie received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oklahoma, majoring in geology and physics. He also attended an eight-month intensive course in math and electronics at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Upon his retirement, he began collecting and studying rhododendron hybrids and species, and for the past 10 years concentrated on the species. He was a member of the American Rhododendron Society and won numerous trophies and blue ribbons from the American Rhododendron Species Foundation. He was a member of the Carlton Club in London, the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford and the Acoaxet Club of Westport, where he was an avid golfer and was on the board of governors. Survivors include his widow; a brother, John E. Huie of Fredricksburg, Texas; two sisters, Adeline Denson of Burleson, Texas, and Ruth Huie of Kerrville, Texas; and several nieces and nephews. His funeral will be private. Arrangements are by Potter Funeral Home, Westport.

David H. Peckham
Worked in maintenance for United Aircraft
David H. Peckham, 86, of Mild Avenue, died at home Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, after a brief illness. Born in Fall River, the son of the late Lester and Ruth (Jordan) Peckham, he lived in Fall River before moving to Westport in 1985. Mr. Peckham worked in the maintenance division of United Aircraft, retiring in 1970. He worked for both the Pinkerton and Skelly Detective Agencies as a security guard and armored truck driver. He was a very active member of the Third Baptist Church, Fall River, where he led the singing in the adult Sunday school, sang as a soloist, served an usher and greeter, and was a member of the church's 50-plus club. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Red Sox. He leaves a daughter, Beverly Newcomer and her husband, David, of Westport; three grandchildren, David M. Newcomer of Olympia, Wash., Jeffrey P. Newcomer of Fall River and Brenda A. Ricci of New Bedford; two great-granddaughters, Meghan and Emily Ricci; a niece and a nephew. He was the brother of the late Neil and Carl Wagner, Bradford Jordan and Florence A. Quinn. His graveside service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. Arrangements were by the Cherry Place Home of Waring-Sullivan, Ashton, Coughlin, Driscoll in Fall River.

Eleanor Edelstein
Former teacher and frequent letter writer
Eleanor (Rockwell) Edelstein, 77, of Church Street, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at home. She was the wife of the late Jerome M. Edelstein. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Charles Bristed Rockwell, for whom Rockwell School is named, and Eleanor (Barrow) Rockwell. She lived in Bristol most of her life. Mrs. Edelstein was a graduate of Bennington College in Vermont and American University in Washington D.C., where she earned a doctorate in anthropology. She was a founder and teacher at the Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Calif. In her later years here in Bristol, she was somewhat of a local expert on Bristol history, the town's cemeteries and Portuguese history. A stickler for historical accuracy and a watchdog for copy editors at the Phoenix and other publications, Mrs. Edelstein was a frequent letter writer to this paper and others. She was a member of the United Brothers Synagogue in Bristol. She leaves two sons, Paul Rockwell Edelstein of Lathrop, Mo., and Nathaniel Benson Edelstein of Bristol; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Charles Bristed Rockwell, Henry Benson Rockwell, Paul Standish Rockwell and the late Martha Millet. A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 19, in the United Brothers Synagogue. A private burial service followed.

Francis S. Gifford
Electrical engineer, served in military in Korea
Francis Sean Gifford, 66, of Libby Lane, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, in the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Providence. He was the former husband of Theresa (Canterelli) Gifford of Jersey City, N.J. Born in Bristol, he was a son of the late Harold and Elizabeth (McGovern) Gifford. He had lived in Bristol and Marlboro, Mass., before moving to Warren six years ago. Mr. Gifford was an electrical engineer working for several companies in Massachusetts for many years, before retiring in 1997. An army veteran of the Korean War, he had served in the 508th Airborne Infantry, of the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Gifford was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Bristol. Besides his former wife, he leaves a daughter, Joanne F. Gifford of Jersey City; two sons, Michael Gifford of Jersey City and Frank Gifford in New Jersey; two brothers, Harold Gifford of Warren and John Gifford of Smithfield; and a sister, Cappy Tucker of Bristol. He was the brother of the late Elizabeth Freitas, Marsha Perry and Marie Gifford. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Mr. Gifford on Monday, Jan. 20, in St. Mary's Church. He was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in Bristol.

Truman Dexter Emery
Truck driver, member of Masons and Shrines
Truman Dexter Emery, 71, of Broomfield, Colo., died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003, after a long illness. He was the husband of Lynn Elaine Emery. Born in Westport, he was the son of the late Truman Clayton and Lorena M. (Rounds) Emery. He attended Westport High School until his sophomore year when his family moved to Colorado. After graduating from high school in Colorado, he joined the SeaBees where he served for several years. Mr. Emery was a truck driver for Gates Trucking in Colorado. He was the proud recipient of an award for having driven a million miles without an accident. He was a 32 degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite Bosdies and also a member of the Shrines. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Sheryl Bartelney of Denver and Shawn Hasberg of Trinidad, Colo.; four sons, Bart, Kurt, Richard and Philip, all of Denver; a sister, Margaret Emery Tripp of Trinidad, Colo.; a brother, Clayton M. Emery of Westport; 13 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements were made in Colorado.

Henry P. Zinno
Former accountant, World War II veteran
Henry P. Zinno, 79, of North Smithfield, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003, at St. Antoine Residence in North Smithfield. He was the husband of Rita L. (Moon) Zinno, his wife of 54 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Benedetto and Vincenza (Chiavattone) Zinno. A resident of North Smithfield for the last three months, he previously resided in Greenville for two years and Providence for most of his life. Mr. Zinno graduated from Hope High School in Providence in 1939, and received his bachelor of science degree from Bryant College in 1945. He received a master's degree in business administration in 1973. An accountant, he worked for the former ITT Royal Electric Company, formerly of Pawtucket, for 25 years, retiring in 1985. He previously worked for the Clover Bead Company of Pawtucket and the Calart Company of Cranston. Mr. Zinno served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a communicant of St. Augustine's Church in Providence and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a member of the former Hope Council, Knights of Columbus, Providence. He was a former scoutmaster for Troop 76 in Providence. Mr. Zinno was a member of the National Association of Accountants and an avid golfer, gardener and chess player. Besides his wife he leaves two daughters, Joan M. Marcotte-Gregory of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Barbara A. Keenan of North Smithfield; a son, the Rev. Henry P. Zinno Jr., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and former pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Tiverton; nine grandchildren, Christopher and Laurie Marcotte and Brian Gregory, all of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Patrick, Daniel, Joseph, Peter, Mark and Kevin Keenan, all of North Smithfield. He was also the brother of the late Angelina Zarlenga, Elvira Sisto, Elena Carcieri and Vincenzo "Jimmy" Zinno. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, from the A.A. Mariani and Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence at 9 a.m. with a concelebrated Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine's Church, Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol, RI, 02809.

Richard Cordeiro
Funeral services for Richard Cordeiro were held Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003, from the George C. Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Elizabeth Church. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rev. Thomas J. Ferland. Tom Velleca and niece Linda Domanico were the readers. Son and daughter-in-law Geoffrey and Wendy Cordeiro and brothers Ernest and Raymond Cordeiro presented gifts. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery where Rev. Ferland offered the committal prayers. Joseph Mello, Steve Armitage, and nephews Steven, Thomas, Grant and Alan Cordeiro were pallbearers. Mr. Cordeiro, 69, of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003.

Robert C. Lippe
Lived in town most of his life
Robert Charles Lippe, 61, of Walnut Road, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Miriam Hospital in Providence. He was the husband of Judith (Croasdale) Lippe. Born in Central Falls, a son of the late Jean and Florence (Dulude) Lippe, he had lived in Barrington most of his life and was a communicant of St. Luke Church. Mr. Lippe worked as a machinist for the Keene Corp. in East Providence before retiring. He had been a LaSalette brother for more than 10 years. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Kevin Lippe, and a daughter, Robin Seel, both of Riverside; a sister, Bernadette Tousignant of Florida; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Ave., Riverside, with a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Luke's Church, Washington Road. Burial will follow in the Forest Chapel Cemetery in Barrington.

Robert J. Rocha
Social worker for 29 years
Robert J. "Diz" Rocha, 55, of Sowams Road, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. He was the husband of Sandra L. (Cannity) Rocha. Born in Central Falls, a son of Belmira (Andrade) Rocha of Pawtucket and the late Joseph C. Rocha, he lived in Pawtucket before moving to Barrington 25 years ago. He was a summer resident of Matunuck village, in South Kingstown. A 1965 graduate of Tolman High School in Pawtucket and a 1969 graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Mr. Rocha was a social worker for the State of Rhode Island for 29 years, and had worked at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol for 10 years before retiring in 2001. He enjoyed playing tennis. Besides his wife and mother, he leaves three sons, Jess, Kyle and Blake Rocha, all of Barrington; two sisters, Gloria Coyle of Coventry and Nancy Robillard of East Providence; and a brother, Richard Rocha of Pawtucket. Funeral and burial services will be private.

James Harrison
Former resident; leaves son here
James Harrison, 67, of Orlando, Fla. and formerly of Riverside, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at the Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, Fla. He was the husband of Lorie (Noyes) Harrison. Born in Pawtucket, a son of the late Thomas and Alexandria (Soutar) Harrison, he lived in Barrington in his early years. Mr. Harrison owned the Riverside Social Club for many years before moving to Florida. In Florida, he worked as a chef at Walt Disney World for 17 years. Besides his wife, he leaves two brothers, John Harrison of Barrington and Emile Harrison of Catonsville, Md.; a daughter, Laurie Paterson of Ocoee; three sisters, Jane LaBar of Harveys Lake, Pa., and Agnes Massey and Ethel Pickett, both of East Providence; and a grandson. He was a brother of the late Thomas, Walter, William and Charles Harrison. Funeral services will be private.

Nancy B. Gerstenblatt
Born in Scotland
Nancy Barr Gerstenblatt, 81, of 7 Knapton St., died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003, at the South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Kingstown. She was the wife of Victor Gerstenblatt and the late George Mills. Born in Rothesay, Scotland, a daughter of the late James and Nancy Faller, she came to the United States as an 8-year-old. A graduate of the former Pawtucket Senior High School, she worked in retail sales for a number of businesses including Jewel Box, Gladdings, Peerless, Apex, Scituate Potters, Eastern Butcher Block and Wicker World. She was also a secretary at the former Maple Avenue School in Barrington. Besides her husband, she leaves a daughter, Joy Gerstenblatt, and two grandchildren, Emily and Alex Coxe, all of North Kingstown. A memorial celebration will be held in late February.

Anna F. Delgado
Restaurant owner, leaves sister in Warren
Anna F. Delgado, 79, of 55 Fox Hill Ave., Bristol, died Saturday, Jan. 25. 2003, at Eastgate Nursing & Recovery Center, East Providence. She was the wife of the late Paul E. Delgado. Born in Bristol, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Nora (D'Archangelo) Notarangelo. She lived in Bristol most of her life and in Middletown for 15 years. Mrs. Delgado had been the owner/operator of Mack's Clam Shack in Middletown for many years, before retiring. She had previously been employed at the former U.S. Rubber Co. in Bristol. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bristol. She leaves a daughter, Grace A. Delgado of Bristol; a son, Louis E. Delgado of Portsmouth; three sisters, Loretta Mahoney of Barrington, Amelia Notarangelo of Warren and Grace Abenante of Bristol; three grandchildren, Alexandra Damiano, Louis E. Delgado Jr. and Dawn M. Delgado; and three great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Paul E. Delgado and sister of the late Nicholas, Vincent, and Julia Notarangelo, and Mary Garett. Her funeral is today, Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 9 a.m., from Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on State Street. She will be buried in St. Mary's Cemetery in Bristol.

Frank Soares
Electronics repairman, formerly of Portsmouth
Frank Soares, 100, of 642 Metacom Ave., Warren, and formerly of Portsmouth, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, at Desilets Nursing Home in Warren. He was the husband of the late Maria Iva (Delphin) Soares. Born in Somerset, he was the son of the late Manuel and Amelia (Estrella) Soares. Mr. Soares had been an electronics repairman for Raytheon Corp., in Portsmouth, until retiring in 1968. He was a communicant of St. Anthony Church in Portsmouth. He leaves a son, Robert Soares, and a sister, Emma Lima, both of Portsmouth; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. His funeral will be on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m., from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony Church, 2836 East Main Road. He will be buried will be in Pocasset Hill Cemetery in Tiverton.

Mary D. Soares
Leaves a daughter here
Mary D. Soares, 85, of East Providence, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at Orchard View Nursing Home. She was the wife of Frank S. Soares. A lifelong resident of East Providence, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Josephine (Oliver) Bronco. She was a machine operator for Fram Corporation in East Providence for 32 years before retiring in 1980. Mrs. Soares was a member of the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood of East Providence and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Besides her husband, she leaves a daughter, Mary Ann Branco of Bristol; a brother, Anthony Bronco of Lincoln; and two granddaughters, Lynn Branco of Venice, Calif., and Ann Branco of East Providence. She was the sister of the late John Branco. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 10, from the Perry/McStay Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Xavier Church in East Providence. Burial followed in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Ann Marie McFee
Portsmouth resident, memberof St. Lucy's
Ann Marie (Nunes) McFee, 86, of 126 Quaker Hill Lane, Portsmouth, formerly of 3 Holten Ave., Newport, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at Newport Hospital. She was the wife of the late Robert Caddell McFee, a retired Newport Fire Department deputy chief. Born on May 10, 1916, in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph S. and Isabel M. (Vargas) Nunes. Mrs. McFee was a communicant of St. Lucy's Church in Middletown. She leaves a daughter, Barbara Ann Barry of Mansfield, Mass.; three grandsons and seven great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held on Monday, Jan. 27, from the Memorial Funeral Home, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Lucy's Church, Middletown. Burial was in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Newport Fire Department Rescue Fund, 21 West Marlborough St., Newport, RI 02840.

Maria Natalia Vadnais
Funeral services for Maria Natalia (DaSilva) Vadnais, were held Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003, from the George C. Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial in St. Elizabeth Church. The Rev. Thomas J. Ferland was the celebrant of the Mass. The Rev. Louis Diogo was the concelebrant. Sandra Faria was the reader for the Mass, while Mary Ann Medeiros and Mary Correia presented gifts. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery, where the Rev. Ferland offered the committal prayers. Andrew LaFleur, Manuel Faria, Anthony Florenzano, Robert Wilcox, Michael Noah, and Dennis LaFleur served as pallbearers. Mrs. Vadnais, 68, died Friday, Jan. 17, at home. She was the wife of Edmond J. Vadnais.

Ruth McLaughlin Heath
Activist for peace, social justice, environmental issues
Ruth McLaughlin Heath of Media, Pa., formerly of Westport and Chappaqua, N.Y., died on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003, at Fair Acres Geriatric Center, Lima, Pa. She was the wife of the late William G. Heath whom she married in 1942 at The Cathedral of St. Mary. Born on July 17, 1911, in New York City, she graduated from The Cathedral School of St. Mary of Garden City, NY, in 1929, and from Smith College, cum laude, majoring in religion, in 1933. In 1949, she, her husband and their two children moved to Chappaqua where they lived until 1962. Longtime summer residents of Westport, they moved their permanently in 1962. Mrs. Heath's interests included family, gardening, painting, reading, poetry, writing and travel. A lifelong learner, she was always eager to explore new interests. She volunteered as a tour guide for the New Bedford Historical Society, and was a member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Smith College Alumnae Club, the Westport Art Group, and the Westport Central Village Friends Meeting. As a Quaker, Mrs. Heath was a committed activist for peace and social justice in the United States and worldwide. In the 1960s, she was a staunch advocate for civil rights, focusing her attentions on the problems of inner cities, particularly in New Bedford. In 1975, she traveled with fellow Quakers to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, to participate in the 30th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. Her ideal was always, by example, to offer peaceful resolutions to conflicts. She participated in peaceful protests and wrote numerous articles and letters to government officials and local newspapers, seeking to enhance awareness of civic, minority and international concerns for humanity and the earth. She was a passionate supporter of environmental and conservation issues; a personal campaign was to help save Westport's farmland and revitalize and protect both branches of the Westport River and its aquatic/shoreline life. She leaves a son, Bill Heath of Thunder Bay, Ontario; a daughter, Heather Heath Reed of Media, Pa.; a granddaughter, Erica Sebastian of Eugene, Or.; step-grandchildren, a step-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Jean McLaughlin Bird and twin sister of Lois McLaughlin Jessup. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the Westport Central Village Friends Meeting in late June. Donations in her memory may be made to the Westport River Watershed Alliance, PO Box 3427, Westport, MA 02790, or the Westport Land Conservation Trust, PO Box 3975, Westport, MA 02790.