Joseph C. Troiano
Lifelong Bristol resident was a landscaper for 40 years
Joseph C. Troiano, 74, of 150 Franklin St. died Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of the late Irene A.. (Mello) Troiano. Born in Providence, a son of the late Domenick and Antonetta (Guerra) Troiano, he was a lifelong Bristol resident. For 40 years he was a landscaper and designer for Rudolf Haffenreffer in Bristol. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. He leaves three daughters, Doreen A. Ridder of Portsmouth, Elizabeth J. Tori of Walpole, Mass., and Patricia A. Monteleone of Lincoln; three sisters, Domenica Colmore, Concetta Bell and Annette Conte, all of Bristol; three granddaughters, Elizabeth A. Ridder of Bristol, Allison M. Handren of Portsmouth and Jenna R. Monteleone of Lincoln; and two grandsons, Michael J. Monteleone of Lincoln and Matthew M. Tori of Walpole. He was also the brother of the late Domenick Troiano Jr. His funeral services were Saturday, May 24, from the Sansone Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Rev. David M. Engo was the celebrant and homilist for the Mass. Elizabeth Ridder and Carol Landry were the readers. His grandchildren Allison Handren, Michael Monteleone, Jenna Monteleone and Matthew Tori presented offertory gifts. Stephen Romano, organist/soloist, provided music for the Mass and Denise Dufour was the soloist. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery, where Father Engo read the committal prayers. James V. Conte, Allan J. Conte, Melissa A. Cayton, Martin A. Tori, Anthony Monteleone and William A. Ridder served as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association New England Affiliate, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Mary Francis
Born in Bristol, she worked at Premier Thread
Mary (Pinhero) Francis, 91, of Grace Barker Nursing Home and formerly of Elmwood Drive, died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at the Grace Barker Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late John T. Francis. Born in Bristol, a daughter of the late Joseph and Frances Clara (Sousa) Pinhero, she was a longtime Bristol resident. She worked as a winder for Premier Thread for 10 years before retiring in 1973. She had previosuly worked at the former U.S. Rubber Co. and Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. She attended Bristol schools and was a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality and the Holy Ghost Committee at St. Elizabeth Church for most of her life. She leaves a son, John D. Francis of Portsmouth; two granddaughters, Jill Iannella of Bristol and Molly Francis of Portsmouth; a brother, Anthony "Tony" Pinhero of Bristol; and three sisters, Palmira Palisi of Hollywood, Fla., and Clara Gaspar and Helen Mancieri, both of Bristol. She was also the sister of the late Frances Rebello, Marion Cabral, Sarah deCrescenzo and Joseph and Manuel Pinhero. Her funeral was Wednesday, May 28, from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Elizabeth Church. Her burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Florence G. Sakal
Lived in town for three years
Florence G. Sakal, 88, of Bay Spring Village, died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at the Evergreen Health Care Center in East Providence. She was the wife of the late Edward P. Sakal. Born in New York City, a daughter of the late Robert L. and Gertrude (Dunham) Campbell, she lived in Barrington for three years, previously residing in Lakehurst, N.J. Mrs. Sakal was a secretary at SUNY College in Oneonta, N.Y., for 10 years before retiring in 1975. She was also a secretary for the Sperry Rand Corp., in Hyde Park, N.Y., and the law office of Peter Benson in Ridgewood, N.Y. She was a communicant of St. Luke's Church and a former communicant and choir member of Notre Dame Church in New Hyde Park, N.Y. She was a member of the New Hyde Park Garden Club and enjoyed sewing, knitting and embroidery. She leaves a daughter, Kathleen S. Patterson of Barrington; a son, Edward L. Sakal of Hamilton, N.Y.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was a sister of the late Robert Campbell. Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 27, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home in Riverside, with a Mass of Christian burial in St. Luke's Church. Burial followed in St. Sebastian Cemetery in Westerly.

Madeline V. Riley
Retired bookkeeper, active in garden club, her church
Madeline V. (Gadsby) Riley, 101, of Highland Court, Tiverton, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late John H. Riley Sr. Born in Newport, a daughter of the late John and Minnie R. (Gifford) Gadsby, she had lived in Tiverton most of her life. She had been employed as a bookkeeper for various companies until her retirement. She was a member and former treasurer of Central Baptist Church, where she was assistant collector and secretary of its Women's Society. She was a charter member and first treasurer of Eureka Chapter 19, Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Riley was an active member of the Tiverton Garden Club and the Women's Club of Newport County, of which she was a former treasurer. She was a former vice regent of the Col. William Barton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She leaves a son, John H. Riley Jr. of Tiverton; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late William Gadsby, Claribelle Williamson, Emerson Gadsby and Jennie Wheeler. Her funeral and burial will be private.

Louise M. Dellefratte
Nurse, lifelong town resident
Louise M. Dellefratte, 50, of 215 Whipple Ave., died Monday, May 19, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Providence, a daughter of Anthony A. and Mary (DiMatteo) Dellefratte of Barrington, she was a lifelong resident of Barrington. A pediatric nurse at Hasbro Childrens Hospital in Providence, Ms. Dellefratte was a 1971 graduate of Barrington High School and a 1975 graduate of the University of Rhode Island. She also earned her master's degree in nursing from URI before beginning her career. She spent 27 years working at the former Potter Building on floors two nad three, and as a unit teacher on Children's five. She was a nurse specialist for the pediatric units at Hasbro, and was also an adjunct professor at URI's School of Nursing. She was a member of the American Nurses Association, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and was listed in the Who's Who of Nursing. Besides her parents, she leaves a sister, Cheryl Dellefratte of Barrington. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 22, from the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home in Warren, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Angels Church, Maple Avenue. Burial followed in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.

Amelia Martin
Former dental hygienist
Amelia (Oliveira) Martin, 64, of President Avenue, Portsmouth, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River. She was the wife of Ronald Martin, her husband of 41 years. Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of Mary (Perry) Oliveira of Fall River and the late John Oliveira. Mrs. Martin attended Tufts University Forsythe School of Dental Hygiene, where she received an associate of science degree in 1959. She worked for Dr. Eugene Dionne, DDS, in Fall River for three years and for Antonio Marks for four years before retiring in 1968. An avid reader, she enjoyed cooking and her computer. In addition to her mother and husband, she leaves a son, David Martin of Middletown; a daughter, Mary O'Keefe of Newport; two sisters, Beatrice Martins of Fall River and Clara Custy of Tiverton; a granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Her funeral was held Wednesday, May 28 at Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with a Mass at St. Anthony's Church in Portsmouth. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown.

Donald J. LeBlanc Sr.
World War II veteran, formerly of East Providence
Donald J. LeBlanc Sr., 78, of Libby Lane, died Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Victoria E. (Santo) LeBlanc. Born in Newton, Mass., he was the son of the late Emile and Rita (Smith) LeBlanc. He had lived on Mauran Avenue, East Providence, for 37 years, moving to Warren 4 years ago. Mr. LeBlanc had worked for Arlon Inc., in East Providence, for many years, retiring in 1988. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Donald J. LeBlanc Jr. of Pawtucket; a daughter, Denise R. Lopey of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. His funeral and burial were private.

Alfred P. Bettencourt
Former contractor, World War II vet
Alfred P. Bettencourt, 79, of 467 Hooper St., Tiverton, died on Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Delia (Rapoza) Bettencourt. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Alfred and Maria Bettencourt. He had lived in Tiverton since 1957. Prior to his retirement, he was a self-employed tile contractor in Tiverton under the name Bettencourt Tile. He served in the U.S. Army with the 5th Army and was a veteran of World War II. Mr. Bettencourt was a communicant of Holy Ghost Church, Tiverton. In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, David Bettencourt of Bristol and Thomas Bettencourt of Greer, S.C.; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Mary Cabral, Agnes Laureano, Belmira Raposa, Laura Medeiros, Jessuina Cabral, Hilda Roussin and Antone Bettencourt. His funeral was held Saturday, May 24 from the Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Ghost Church. Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fall River.

Dorothy R. Williams
Lived in town for 41 years
Dorothy R. Williams, 93, of Briarfield Road, died Wednesday, May 14, 2003, at Steere House in Providence. She was the wife of the late Richard G. Williams Sr. Born in Worcester, Mass., a daughter of the late S. Marshall and Florence (Griswold) Rounds, she lived in Barre, Vt. and Medford and Wellesley, Mass., before moving to Barrington 41 years ago. A homemaker, she was a member of Barrington Congregational Church. She leaves two sons, Marhall L. Williams of Framingham, Mass. and Richard G. Williams Jr. of Yarmouthport, Mass.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services are private.

Albert Ernst Jr.
Engineer, golfer, World War II vet
Albert "Bud" Ernst Jr., 84, of Cherry Lane, died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. He was the husband of Barbara (Chadsey) Ernst. Born in Providence, a son of the late Albert and Eleanor Ernst, he grew up in Barrington, graduated from Barrington High School and was a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. A retired draftsman, engineer and project engineer, he worked at Brown & Sharpe and then moved to Lexington, Ky. after World War II to become a project engineer for IBM. He retired in 1977 and moved back to Barrington to care for his parents. While in Lexington, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Spring Valley Country Club, where he was an avid golfer. He was honored as a Kentucky Colonel in Lexington. He was a member of the Barrington United Methodist Church, the West Barrington Men's Club and a Masonic Lodge in Cranston. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II, serving aboard minesweepers. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Vicki E. Ernst of Barrington; a sister, Rowena Phillips of Barrington; two nephews, George Staton of Las Cruces, N.M. and Scott Staton of California; a grand-niece and two grand-nephews. Funeral services are private. Burial will be in Prince's Hill Cemetery in Barrington. Arrangements were by the Smith-Mason Funeral Home in Riverside.

Nicholas Tavares
Mechanic and drummer was longtime Warren resident
Nicholas Tavares, 91, of Connolly Avenue, died Friday, May 30, 2003, at Grace Barker Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late Gloria (Medeiros) Tavares. Born in St. Michael, the Azores, he was a son of the late Nicholas and Mary (Medeiros) Tavares. He had lived most of his life in Warren. Mr. Tavares was an outboard motor mechanic, retiring in 1977. He had been the service department manager for Moss Marina in Fall River and the Boat House in Tiverton. Mr. Tavares had been the owner of a race car that had run at Seekonk Speedway during the 1950's. He had been a drummer in the NT Combo, playing mostly in the East Bay area and at the Newport Navy Base. He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Warren. He leaves two sons, Dennis N. and Richard J. Tavares, both of Bristol; five grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. His funeral was on Tuesday, June 3, from William J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He was buried in St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery in Warren. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809.

Beatrice Paiva
Former presser, grandmother of 36
Beatrice (Pine) Paiva, 90, of 26 Harris Drive, Tiverton, died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at home. She was the wife of the late John A. Paiva. Born in Portsmouth on May 8, 1913, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Pacheco) Pine. She lived on Sims Street in Newport for many years before moving to Tiverton in August 2002. Mrs. Paiva worked as a presser at Swan Cleaners and for Del Nero Laundry for many years. She was a communicant of St. Lucy's Church, Middletown. She leaves six sons, John Paiva of Swanton, Ohio, Emery and Frank Paiva, both of Portsmouth, James Paiva of Apollo Beach, Fla., Jesse and Ralph Paiva, both of Middletown; four daughters, Dorothy Baich of North Port, Fla., Mary Brown of Little Rock, Ark., Peggy Rice of Middletown, and Beatrice Davis of Tiverton; two brothers, Frank Pine of Newport and Joseph Pine of Washington, D.C.; six sisters, Madeline Blanchard of Waterford, Conn., Margaret Deese of Wilmington, Wash., Marion Amerson of Virginia Beach, Va., Hilda Silvia of Fall River, Rose Sawyer of Buffalo, N.Y., and Elise Hicks of Chesapeake, Va.; 36 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Thomas and Frederick Pine, Helen Racowski, Clara Taylor and Isabelle Walker. The funeral was held on Wednesday, June 4, at Memorial Funeral Home, Newport. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Lucy's Church, Middletown. The burial was in St. Columba's Cemetery, Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services Hospice Care, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Adelaide C. Van Voast
Beauty salon owner served on church committees
Adelaide C. (Fiore) Van Voast, 88, of 363 Wood St. died Monday, June 2, 2003, at Grand Islander Nursing Home in Middletown, RI. She was the wife of Thomas F. Van Voast. Born in Bristol, she was the daughter of the late Elia and Carmela (Volino) Fiore and a life-long resident. She attended Jo-Ann School of Beauty and was later an instructor at the school. She owned and operated the former Van's Beauty Salon in Bristol for 25 years until she retired in 1988. She was also a co-owner of Van's Spa in Bristol since 1955 and an employee of Carr's Manufacturing Co., formerly in Bristol. She was a member of the Hope Circle 70 Daughters of Isabella where she was the chairperson for the 50th, 60th, and 65th Anniversaries and co-chairman of the 75th. She was also a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society, Holy Rosary and Altar Society, and many committees at St. Mary's Church where she was a communicant. In addition to her husband she leaves a sister, Leah Baker of Seal Beach, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. She was also sister of the late Antoinette Dono, Anne Fiore and Mary Mazzarella. Her funeral services were held Wednesday, June 4. A Mass of Christian burial followed at Saint Mary's Church. Burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church Building Fund, 330 Wood St. Bristol RI, 02809.

Joseph P. Serpa Jr.
Former resident was partner at Serpa Creamery
Joseph P. Serpa Jr., 64, of Libby Lane, Warren, died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at the Jane Brown Hospital. Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Joseph P. and Virginia (Gaffney) Serpa. He lived in Warren for three years, before that living in Riverside for 10 years, Barrington for 21 years, and Bristol for 30 years. He graduated from Colt Memorial High School in 1959 and attended Bryant College. He was a partner in J.P. Serpa Creamery before retiring in 1997. He leaves two brothers, Russell S. Serpa of Bristol and James R. Serpa of Warren; and a sister, Virginia E. Hurd of Bristol. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Nicholas Tavares
Mechanic and drummer leaves family here
Nicholas Tavares, 91, of Connolly Avenue, died Friday, May 30, 2003, at Grace Barker Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late Gloria (Medeiros) Tavares. Born in St. Michael, the Azores, he was a son of the late Nicholas and Mary (Medeiros) Tavares. He had lived most of his life in Warren. Mr. Tavares was an outboard motor mechanic, retiring in 1977. He had been the service department manager for Moss Marina in Fall River and the Boat House in Tiverton. Mr. Tavares had been the owner of a race car that had run at Seekonk Speedway during the 1950s. He had been a drummer in the NT Combo, playing mostly in the East Bay area and at the Newport Navy Base. He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Warren. He leaves two sons, Dennis N. and Richard J. Tavares, both of Bristol; five grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. His funeral was on Tuesday, June 3, from William J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He was buried in St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery in Warren. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809.

Josephine Providenti
Lifelong Bristol resident worked at Converse
Josephine "Doff" Providenti, 81, of Franklin Street, died Sunday, June 1, 2003, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Michael V. Providenti. Born in Bristol, she was a daughter of the late Manuel and Maria (Medeiros) Mattes. She was a lifelong Bristol resident and had attended town schools. Mrs. Providenti had been employed by Video 2000, retiring in 1999. She had previously worked at Trifari Jewelry and Converse Mfg. She leaves three daughters, Bernadette King of Swansea, Christine Palumbo of Warren and Noreen Nunes of Rehoboth; two sisters, Sadie Pompei of Bristol and Gilda Ferri of Barrington; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was a sister of the late Manuel "Mutt," Joseph and Edward "Dolan" Marshall, John Mattes and Mary Pontes. Her funeral will be on Thursday, June 5, at 8 a.m., from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., Bristol, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood St., Bristol. She will be buried in St. Alexander's Cemetery, Warren.

Doris Ramos
Homemaker was caregiver at Desilets Nursing Home
Doris Ramos, 85, of Libby Lane, died Friday, May 30, at home. She was the former wife of John Ramos. Born in Warren, she was a daughter of the late Wilfred and Eva (Forrest) Plante. She had lived in Warren for 35 years, and in Bristol for 30 years. A homemaker, Mrs. Ramos was a volunteer caregiver at Desilets Nursing Home. Besides her former husband, she leaves a daughter, Lisa A. Ramos of Warren; four sons, John P. Ramos Jr. of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Robert G. Ramos of Jersey City, N.J., Michael A. Ramos of Portsmouth, and Paul A. Ramos of Warren; two brothers, Raymond Plante of Barrington and Wilfred Plante of Bristol; three sisters, Irene Mello of Warren and Alice Marchand and Teresa Kation, both of Bristol; 11 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. She was the sister of the late Arthur, Robert, Albert and Leo Plante. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Mrs. Ramos on Tuesday, June 10, in St. Elizabeth Church, Bristol. She was buried in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery in Warren.