March 8, 2001
Mary (Heins) Rommel
Mary (Heins) Rommel, who died at age 82, was a stay-at-home mother to her children and a supportive Navy wife to Captain Herbert F. Rommel, USN Ret.
A resident of Newport, Rommel was born in Philidelphia, PA on July 16, 1918 and was the daughter of the late William and Martha (Rogers) Heins. She died on March 1 at home after a one-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Dr. Victoria Rommel of Wadesboro, NC and Beth R. Graham of Newport, RI; one son, William Fox Rommel of Newport, RI; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Emilie M. (Anderson) Mello
EMILIE M. (ANDERSON) MELLO, who died at age 85, was the owner and operator of the former JemArt Store at the Aquidneck Shopping Center from 1959 to 1969. After her retirement she taught knitting and crewel embroidery at Thompson Junior High School evening classes and at the Edward King Senior Center.
A resident of Newport, Mello was the daughter of Emil and Mae (Rice) Anderson. She died on Feb. 28 at Newport Hospital in Newport. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Rego of Portsmouth, RI; two sons, A. Grant Ringwood of North Kingston, RI and Charles Ringwood of Warren, RI; three sisters, Esther Martin of Newport, RI; Muriel McDonald of Phoenix, AZ, and Jane Connell of Newport, RI; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Richard E. Updegrove
Richard E. Updegrove, who died at age 73, was a former Middletown Town Councilman and a former Commander in the US Navy.
A resident of Middletown, RI, Updegrove was born in Muir, PA on July 18, 1927 and died Feb. 27 in the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, RI.
He was the husband of the late Elvera (Hultenius) Updegrove and is survived by two sons, Attorney Richard E. Updegrove of Portsmouth, RI and Dr. Randall L. Updegrove of South Kingston, RI; one sister, Doris M. Paxman of Alameda, CA and three grandchildren.
Thomas Wayne Ratkowski
Thomas Wayne Ratkowski, who died at age 49, worked for J.T. O'Connell's for 25 years as a fork lift operator and for James Jackett as a contractor.
A resident of Newport, he died Feb. 27 at Bayview Ave in Newport. He was the husband of Gail Elizabeth (Farrell) Ratkowski to whom he was married for 32 years. He leaves one son, Thomas Richard Ratkowski of Tiverton, RI; one daughter, Kira Ratkowski of Newport; two sisters, Phyllis Fowler and Mary Shcobert of Cowpens, SC; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Richard "Butch" Ratkowski.
Barbara Ann Patterson Sleiertin
Barbara Ann Patterson Sleiertin, who died age 61, was employed for over 20 years by Fleet Bank as an Operations Supervisor and Customer Service Representative in Newport County. She was born in Bremerton, WA, and graduated with a degree in mathematics from Olympic College , where she was also Homecoming Queen. Sleiertin was a volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island for over 25 years and an active communicant of St. Augustin's Church in Newport, where she taught in the religious education program for many years.
A 27-year resident of Newport, Sleiertin died Feb. 27 at home after a 17-year battle with breast cancer. She is survived by Robert, her husband of 37 years; a daughter, Diana L. Placidi; three sons, Robert, Steven and Kenneth; and a grandson, Zachary Placidi. She is also survived by a sister, Mona Patterson Blessing, and brothers, Lloyd and Charles of Bremerton, WA and Francis of Traceyton, WA. She is survived by 30 nieces and nephews and 48 great-nieces and nephews.
March 15, 2001
Joseph A. Hassett Jr
Joseph A. Hassett Jr., who died at age 80, worked as a mechanic for the former Bove Enterprize Chevrolet of Middletown, retiring in 1986. He had also worked as a mechanic for the former Lawson Chevrolet. Prior to that, he was an owner, along with Ralph "Pete" Goddard and Joe Morgan, of the Fir Street Garage in Newport. Hassett was a Veteran of the US Army, serving during WWII. He was a graduate of Rogers High School in Newport.
Born in Newport on Oct. 19, 1920, he was the son of the late Joseph A. Hassett Sr. and the late Mary Jane (Hart) Reynolds Hassett, and was the husband of Josephine (Cappuccilli) Hassett.
Hassett died March 9 at St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River, Mass. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Lisa J. Hassett of Newport; a sister, Alta Santos of Newport; several nieces and nephews and several grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was the brother of the late Elmer Reynolds and Myrtle Pike, and uncle of the late Lorraine Roggero.
Irene (Carreira) Medeiros
Irene (Carreira) Medeiros, who died at age 87, worked as a seamstress in various mills in the Fall River area and provided child care for many prominent families in Middletown, RI. Medeiros had also worked at the Portsmouth Priority as a personal assistant and was a member of the Portsmouth Democratic Women's Club and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Medeiros, a resident of Portsmouth, was the wife of the late Joseph Medeiros, died March 2 a the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. She is survived by three sons Richard, Robert and Joseph Medeiros of Portsmouth; two sisters Mary Sousa of Tiverton and Olive Dupont of Portsmouth; two granddaughters; one great granddaughter and one great grandson.
Florence Berthe Sullivan Howard
Florence Berthe Sullivan Howard, who died at age 99, was a real estate broker in Manchester, Mass. She was a descendant of the Goodman family of Derbyshire, England, a member of the Ladies Committee of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and best known as "Babs," an artist and a free spirit.
Howard, who was a resident of Middletown, was born in London, England and was formerly married to J. Langdon Sullivan and later to John Babcock Howard of Newport, RI. She died March 6 in the John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown, RI and is survived by her three children, Diana S. Spenski of Virginia Beach, Va, Margot S. Grosvenor of Newport and James R.O. Sullivan of Mass. She also leaves 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
March 22, 2001
James McKenna
James Michael McKenna, who died at age 65, taught at St. Mary's Catholic School from 1962 to 1970 and taught in the Newport school system from 1970 to 1995. Mr. McKenna was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was active in the Teachers Association of Newport. Mr. McKenna was a 1953 graduate of De La Salle Academy, received his B.A. from St. Bernard's College in Rochester, NY in 1959 and was involved with the Rhode Island National Guard during the 1960s. He enjoyed cooking, tennis, skiing, golf and racquetball.
Mr. McKenna, a resident of Middletown, was the son of the late John J. McKenna and Julia (Doyle) McKenna. Mr. McKenna died on March 13 at Grand Islander Health Care Center in Middletown. He is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Jeanne (DuBourdieu) McKenna of Middletown, one brother, John J. McKenna of Portsmouth, three nephews, Michael McKenna of Portsmouth, John McKenna of Portsmouth and Stephen McKenna of Stratford, CT.
Mary Rodway
Mary Patricia (Flahive) Rodway, who died at age 67, was the daughter of the late John and Roseanne (O'Rourke) Flahive. She was the wife of John William Rodway and a communicant of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. Besides her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Rosemary Ellen Warrener of Warwick, RI, two brothers, Joseph Flahive of Somerville, MA and Michael Flahive of Norwood, MA, one sister, Virginia Cline of Jamaica Plain, MA, and two grandsons, Christopher R. Warrener of Warwick, RI, and Sean P. Warrener of Warwick, RI. She was the sister of the late John Flahive.
Mrs. Rodway died March 14 at Miriam Hospital in Providence.
Elizabeth Hawthorne
Elizabeth M. (DeFriend) Hawthorne, who died at age 93, was a member of Channing Memorial Church, the Newport Art Museum, and the Norman Bird Sanctuary.
Born in Alexandria Bay, NY, on August 19, 1907, she was the daughter of the late James E. DeFriend and the late Emma (Bigness) DeFriend. She graduated from Watertown, NY High School.
Mrs. Hawthorne was the wife of Robert M. Hawthorne. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three grandsons, David Hawthorne of Boston, Christopher Hawthorne of Los Angeles, and Kelvin Hawthorne of Munich, Germany, and a granddaughter, Margaret Doty of Pelham, NY, two great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her son, Robert Hawthorne, Jr. and her brother, Joseph DeFriend. Mrs. Hawthorne died on March 13 at John Clark Nursing Center in Middletown.
Margaret Rogers
Margaret B. Rogers, who died at age 99, was the wife of the late William N. Rogers, four-term U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire, who practiced law in Concord for many years. Rogers, a registered nurse specializing in anesthesiology, worked in Rochester, NH, and Portland, Maine, completing her nursing career at North Yarmouth Academy. She served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross and was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland. During her retirement she became an avid bridge player and enjoyed gardening.
Born in Caledonia, Nova Scotia, Mrs. Rogers was the daughter of Hugh and Katherine Hattie. She leaves two sons. The Reverend John S. Rogers of Portsmouth and W. Brooks Rogers of New York City; three grandchildren and three great grandsons.
Mrs. Rogers died Friday, March 16 at Metacom Manor in Bristol. A memorial service will be held in May at St. John's Episcopal Church, Sanbornville, NH.
Lillian Machado
Lillian C. Machado, who died at age 81, worked as a salesperson for Maas Department Store in Tampa, Fl. for forty-six years retiring in 1990. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Tampa and a member of the AAA Travel Club. Ms. Machado enjoyed traveling "around the world," she was also a gourmet cook.
Born in Fall River on July 16, 1919, she was the daughter of the late John B. Machado and Annie (Ferreira) Machado. She is survived by one sister, Anne Machado of Tampa, and one nephew, Paul Reis, of Middletown. Ms. Machado was the sister of the late Mary Reis.
Ms. Machado died on March 16 in Tampa.
Daniel Collier
Daniel Collier, who died at age 44, worked as a boat builder for Pearson Yachts. Mr. Collier also worked for Secret Garden Landscaping of Jamestown and enjoyed guitar and harmonica music.
Born in Gary, IN, he was the son of Denton Collier of San Diego, CA, and Maureen (McVeigh) Collier of Newport. Mr. Collier moved to the Newport area when he was 24.
He is survived by one daughter, Kerra Anne Collier of Newport, four brothers, Brian Grednuk of Newport, Michael Collier, Thomas Collier, and Edward Collier all of San Diego, and three nephews. He was the brother of the late Eileen Collier.
Mr. Collier died on March 14 at his home in Newport.
March 29, 2001
Robert Reimer, Jr.
Robert E. Reimer Jr., retired physical education teacher, coach and professional baseball scout, died March 24 at Newport Hospital. He is the husband of Sarah King Reimer.
Born in New Britain, CT, he was the son of the late Robert and Emma Reinas Reimer of New Britain.
Mr. Reimer, who taught physical education in the Newport public schools from 1954 to 1962, introduced soccer to the Middletown schools during the 1960s. He retired in 1986.
Mr. Reimer, a veteran of World War II, served as chief specialist physical training instructor. After the war, Mr. Reimer received his Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees, both from the University of Rhode Island. Mr. Reimer was a professional baseball umpire, and during the 1960s and 1970s he was a scout for the Montreal Expos and the Milwaukee Brewers.
From 1956 through 1970, Mr. Reimer stage-managed the Newport Jazz, Newport Folk and Newport Opera festivals. He was a member of the Newport County Retired Teachers Association, the Redwood Library, and the Lions Club, and sang in the choir of Trinity Episcopal Church for over 30 years.
Besides his wife of 53 years, he leaves a son, Robert E. Reimer III of Newport, a daughter, Pamela R. Alexander of Middletown, a brother, Donald W. Reimer of Dunedin, FL, a sister, Eleanor R. Harris of Windsor, CT, seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held on March 30, with a burial service at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church. Burial with Military Honors will be in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth. Donations in his memory may be made to Trinity Church, Newport or to the Alzheimer's Association.
Helen Cordeiro
Helen Clark (Kennedy) Cordeiro, who died at age 68, attended the Newport Hospital School of Nursing. She had operated a private kindergarten for ten years and managed Newport and 2nd Beach concessions from 1974 to 1984.
She is survived by two sons, Michael E. Cordeiro of Portsmouth and Kenneth J. Cordeiro of Middletown, one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Cordeiro of Middletown, one grandson, David Cordeiro of Portsmouth, and one granddaughter, Grace Cordeiro of Portsmouth. She was the wife of Emery Cordeiro and the sister of the late Alec Kennedy and William Kennedy.
Ms. Cordeiro died on March 19 at her home in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Potter League.
Sara Simmons
Sara A. (Kirchner) Simmons, who died at age 66, was part owner, with her daughter, of SOS Arrangements Flower Shop in Warwick. An avid gardener, she was born in the Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late John and Ruth (Reid) Kirchner. Ms. Simmons, formerly of Middletown, leaves a daughter, Sandra L. Coelho of Warwick, a sister, Ruth O'Connor of Middletown, three nieces and a nephew. She was also the sister of the late John Kirchner. She died on March 20 at her home in Warwick.
Earl Rogers
Earl T. Rogers, who died at age 68, worked for Newport Electric Corp. Born in Mine Larnotte, MO, he was the son of Blanche (Barker) Rogers of Fredericktown, MO and the late William Rogers. Mr. Rogers worked at Sears in Middletown, then owned the Roger Williams Carpet Store in Newport until he joined the Newport Electric Corporation, retiring in 1996.
Mr. Rogers, a member of the Newport Lodge of Elks, was named Elk of theYear in 1982. He was a member of the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Esposito) Rogers of Newport, his mother, Blanche Pogue of Fredericktown, MO, a son, Thomas Rogers of Hawaii, two daughters, Susan Perry of Middletown and Leslie Kane of Newport, a brother, Robert Pogue of Fredericktown, two sisters, Marsha Hufford of Fredericktown and Judy Hart of Leewood, KS, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Mr. Rogers died on March 26 at Newport Hospital. His funeral will be held on Friday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m. in Memorial Funeral Home.
Muriel Anthony
Muriel C.P. (Pierce) Anthony, died at age 89, the wife of the late Warren W. Anthony and the daughter of the late Howard and Zoe (Clarke) Pierce.
Mrs. Anthony was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth. While her father, the Portsmouth town clerk, was on active duty in World War II, Mrs. Anthony served in his stead as deputy. A member of St. Paul's Church, Mrs. Anthony helped found the Portsmouth Historical Society and was responsible for donating the development rights for 15 acres of land in Portsmouth to the Aquidneck Island Land Trust.
Mrs. Anthony is survived by one daughter, Edythe Anthony of Greenville, RI. She died on March 24 at the Grand Islander Center in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Robert Potter League for Animals.
Joseph O'Leary
Joseph M. O'Leary, who died at age 80, served in the Navy for over 30 years, retiring in 1974 as HMCS. Born in Somerville, MA, Mr. O'Leary was the son of the late Thomas Joseph and Mary Ellen (Kneeland) O'Leary. He was the husband of the late Alice (Moore) O'Leary, and is survived by two sons, Richard O'Leary of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Joseph Patrick O'Leary of Corpus Christi, TX, one daughter, Kathy Overbee of Fayetteville, NC, four sisters, Mary Foley of Winthrop, MA, Kathleen O'Leary of IN, Helen Letourneau of Chicago, IL and Virginia Gill of Scituate, MA, and seven grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late Margaret Flynn, Thomas O'Leary and John O'Leary.
Mr. O'Leary died on March 26 at the Elihu-White Nursing Home in Braintree, MA. Funeral services will be held on March 30 at 8:00 a.m. from the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. in St. Lucy's Church in Middletown. Burial will take place in St. Columba's Cemetery, Brown's Lane, Middletown.
Joseph Pelletier
A. Joseph Pelletier, 90, of Newport, died Friday, March 23 at the Grand Islander Health Care Center in Middletown. Mr. Pelletier was the husband of the late Mary L. (Drouge) Pelletier and is commonly remembered as the electrician who flew the flag every day at his home on Admiral Kalbfus Rd.
Born in Fall River, MA, Mr. Pelletier came from a family of fourteen and left school at an early age to help support the family. His life s work began by delivering milk in Fall River for Queen Street Dairy, the family business. He moved over to electrical work, working during the day for his brother at Amie Pelletier Electrical Contracting and studying at night for his journeyman electrician s license, then earning his master electrician s license. For many years he held both licenses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He also worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut.
In the mid 1930s Mr. Pelletier worked for Fall River Electric Light and then moved on to Newport Electric. In 1938 he and his wife moved to Newport and lived on Old Fort Road. They were "Fifth Warders" until they moved to Admiral Kalbfus Road in 1947.
At Newport Electric, he worked in the power generating station on Thames St. where the International Yacht Restoration School is located today. During the month of September 1938 he witnessed the rising waters in Newport harbor as the Great Hurricane s tidal wave struck the area. He along with others, spent many days restoring power to the island from equipment that had gone under water.
During World War II, he was kept on the "home front" to ensure electric power for the Navy base, the Naval Torpedo Station and Fort Adams, which was an active defense position (243rd Coast Artillery). During the war he volunteered his time to install air raid sirens around the city, which were wired back to the old police station at Market Square where they could be activated.
At the Newport Electric Power Station he was a master electrician, handling high voltage wiring, troubleshooting and mechanical generator work. He worked with both power and light and was elevated to chief electrician, retiring in 1972.
Mr. Pelletier was a member of St. Lucy s Church and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He is survived by his three sons, Brian C. Pelletier of Newport, Peter A. Pelletier of Norwell, MA, and Philip F. Pelletier of Portsmouth, a sister, Lorraine Frain of Somerset, MA and four grandchildren, Jonathan Pelletier of Newport, Sarah Pelletier of Newport, Alexis Pelletier of Boston and Amy Pelletier of Somerville, MA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 8:00 a.m., from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m. in St. Lucy s Church, 909 West Main Rd., Burial will take place in Notre Dame cemetery, Fall River, MA Donations may be made to the General Rosecrans Assembly, 4th Degree, Knights of Columbus.
April 5, 2001
Clifton Morrel
Clifton Morrel, who died at age 73, was a meat cutter for New England Poultry of Fall River, Public Market of Fall River and for Stop and Shop in Fall River, Somerset, MA, and Middletown for 47 years, retiring in 1990. Mr. Morrel was born in Fall River, MA and was the son of the late John and Esther (Covel) Morrel. Mr. Morrel was a Merchant Marine and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict, and was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars. He then joined the Army Reserves and served until his retirement in 1988. Mr. Morrel earned his black belt 2nd degree in Tai Quon Do, Karate and Judo. He was an avid gardener and hunter and enjoyed carpentry and woodworking.
Mr. Morrel is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Gagnon) Morrel of Portsmouth, two sons, Clifton Morrel Jr. of Fall River, and Rene Morrel, US Army Sgt., of Portsmouth, three daughters, Winona Crow of Newport, Shanoa Haynes of Alexis, NC, and Priscilla Morrel of Portsmouth, and nine grandchildren.
Mr. Morrel died on March 28 at the Veteran s Administration Hospital in Providence.
M. Carol Smith
M. Carol (Johnson) Smith, who died at age 94, was a member of St. George s Church in Newport and a resident of Newport and Middletown. Mrs. Smith was born in Braintree, MA to the late Charles O. and Annie (Gauld) Johnson. She had been involved with the Girl Scouts of America, having served as a leader and Director of the Rocky Farm Girls Scout Camp of Newport for several years. She had arranged a trip to Europe for 15 scouts which involved forming a new troop. She was an accomplished pianist and had played for the Lion s Club Gas Light Key Club and the Armed Forces YMCA.
Mrs. Smith was the wife of the late Frederick J. Smith. She is survived by one son, Arthur F. Smith of Middletown, one daughter, Carol Ann Boyes of Rockville, MD, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Arthur Johnson, Elmer Johnson and Thelma Jacoby. Mrs. Smith died on March 28 at the Forest Farm Health Care Center in Middletown.
Katherine McManus
Katherine Nevins McManus, who died at age 76, was a member of the Middletown Historical Society and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels programs.
Mrs. McManus was born in Newport to the late Joseph G. Nevins and Catherine (Dwyer) Nevins. She worked for the Division of Human Rights in Rochester and Buffalo, NY as a case investigator for twelve years. Prior to her retirement in 1985, she had been the area director for the Girl Scouts in Binghamton, NY, for twelve years. Mrs. McManus returned to Newport in 1985. She was a member of the Cribbage Club at the Edward King Senior Citizens Center.
Mrs. McManus was the wife of the late David W. McManus. She is survived by one daughter, Katherine D. McManus of McLean, VA, five sons, David F. McManus of Littleton, CO, Joseph G. McManus of Portsmouth, VA, William J. McManus of Lincoln, RI, Michael J. McManus of Westminster, CO, and Alexander R. McManus of Newport, and 12 grandchildren. Mrs. McManus was the sister of the late Joseph G. Nevins.
Mrs. McManus died on March 26 at Village Nursing Center in Newport. Donations may be made in her memory to the Middletown Historical Society.
April 12, 2001
Margaret White
Margaret C. "Maggie" (Martins) White, who died at age 79, worked as a presser at the US Naval Exchange for twenty years, retiring in 1974. During World War II, Mrs. White worked as a recruter at the former Naval Torpedo Station on Goat Island, Newport, and was known as "Maggie the Riviter." She was a communicant of St. Lucy s Church in Middletown and enjoyed playing Yahtzee and Canasta with her family. Mrs. White was born in Newport and was the daughter of the late John I. and Margaret (Harrington) Martins.
Mrs. White was the wife of the late Joseph "Pops" White. She is survived by one son, John White of Middletown, one daughter, Kathleen Lima of Middletown, one sister, Mary C. Donovan of Newport and two grandsons, Brian Lima of San Diego, and Thomas Lima of Middletown, and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Joseph Martins, John I. Martins, William I. Martins, Frederick Martins, Peter Martins, Paul Martins, Dorothy OConnell and Philomenia T. Coover.
Mrs. White died on April 8 at her home in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties.
Joan Gavic
Joan Marie (Feury) Gavic, who died at age 75, worked in the accounting department of Newport Hospital for 24 years from 1965 to 1989, retiring as the supervisor of the accounts payable department. She was named Employee of the Year in 1987. Upon her retirement, Mrs. Gavic dedicated herself to hospital volunteer activities. Her main activity was in the Volunteer Office where her organizational skills, along with her knowledge and friendly manner, were invaluable. She served a total of 14,000 hours, volunteering until the time of her illness. She was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award in 1992.
Mrs. Gavic was also a vital member of the Newport Hospital Auxiliary, assisting in many of its projects. She shared her knowledge of finances, serving for several years as a member of the Finance Committee and remained as an advisor to the Committee. Mrs. Gavic served two terms as Director, was co-president from 1992 to 1994 and was presented with the Auxilian of the Year Award in 1995.
Mrs. Gavic was born in Portland, Maine to the late Augustin P. and Ann P. (O Connell) Feury. She was a graduate of Portland High School, Class of 1943, and was a resident of Newport since 1956.
Mrs. Gavic was the wife of the late Harvey M. Gavic. She is survived by two daughters, Patricia A. Leonard and her husband Jeffrey of Holliston, MA, and Joanne M. Vienne and her husband Jean-Michel of Newport, grandson Jeffrey Carl Leonard and his wife Angelita of Milford, MA, grandson Daniel J. Leonard of Jacksonville, FL, grandson Nicolas A. Vienne of Newport, great-granddaughter Victoria E. Leonard of Milford, MA, and great-granddaughter Maria P. Leonard of Milton, MA.
Mrs. Gavic died on April 9 at the Village House Convalescent Home in Newport.
Memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Newport Hospital Auxiliary or to the Robert Potter League for Animals.
Mary Corey
Mary Agnes (Paiva) Corey, who died at age 86, was a communicant of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth and a member of the Catholic Womens Club. Mrs. Corey was known to sew small stuffed animals as a hobby and was a member of TOPS. She also assisted with housekeeping for several families in the Aquidneck Island area, including the Rev. George Chaplin family, the Rev. Gordon Stenning family, Gilbert and Maria Richardson, Dr. Dunn and the Harlow family.
Mrs. Corey was born in Fall River to the late Manuel and Maria Philomena (Resendes) Paiva. She was the wife of the late Manuel W. "Red" Corey. Mrs. Corey is survived by two sons, Robert N. Corey and wife Madeline (Elshant) Corey of San Diego, CA, and George T. Corey and his wife Marie (Simmons) Corey of Portsmouth, one sister, Hilda Carvahlo of Swansea, and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was also the sister of the late Joseph Paiva, Manuel Paiva, George Paiva, Alexander Paiva, John Paiva, Mary Roque and Alice DaSilva.
Mrs. Corey died on April 2 at her home in Portsmouth.
Memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport & Bristol Counties.
April 19, 2001
Avery Seaman
top sailor among sailors
Longtime Middletown resident and "a top sailor among sailors" Avery Seaman, 77, died at his home in Ocala, Florida on April 11. He was the former president of Corp Brothers, organizer of the 1976 Tall Ships and Commodore of the Cruising Club of America from 1990 to 1991.
Born in Providence, Mr. Seaman developed an early love of boats from his parents, the late David S. and Elizabeth Sweet Seaman. According to long-time friend, Pierre Irving, an executive committee of the Preservation Society of Newport, Mr. Avery had a penchant for sailing on every scale. In the early 1960s the Irving and Seaman families vacationed together at a small lake in Dublin, New Hampshire. "The lake had a very small sailing club and Avery bought a Dublin lake boat that he completely refinished. He stripped it and varnished the whole boat." He became commodore of the Dublin Sailing Club when he was in his early 40s. "I was only 12 when I spent the summer at the lake, Avery influenced me. Through the years he was always very supportive of my sailing endeavors," said Irving.
Mr. Seaman volunteered to help organize the Tall Ships arrival in Newport for the bicentennial in 1976. Along with Vice Admiral Thomas Weschler who had just retired from the Navy and moved to Middletown, Mr. Seaman was tasked with coordinating anchorage for the ships. "There wasn t enough pier space for the ships in Newport Harbor, so Avery was very effective in getting moorings that the Navy had used for mine nets. It was a real logistics feat, but Avery did it skillfully." Vice Admiral Weschler added, "Avery was the kind of person you d enjoy standing a long watch with. He was a great help to me as I began organizing the Tall Ships 2000 in Newport."
In the late 1970s Mr. Seaman bought Boothden, former residence of John Wilkes Booth s brother, on Indian Avenue in Middletown. A craftsman, Mr. Seaman, set about restoring the house as well as an old barn that was on the property that he converted to a workshop. "He loved to build things with his hands," according to Mr. Irving. "Avery always had a project going and a group of people helping him. He was a great motivator."
An avid sailor, Mr. Seaman raced his Cal 40 "Conquest" in Narragansett Bay and throughout the Northeast. He completed more than 15 Newport-to-Bermuda races and 4 transatlantic crossings. In 1990 he became commodore of the Cruising Club of America, a private club with a membership of 1,100 top sailors among sailors. He was a former board member of the New York Yacht Club, former commodore and honorary member of the 2000 Club, past president of the Narragansett Boat Club, past president of the Brown University Rowing Association and a member of the East Greenwich Yacht Club.
Trudy Coxe, former executive director of Save the Bay said of Avery Seaman, "He is one of my angels because when Save the Bay was young, he, as a true believer and a respected business owner and civic leader, had enough juice to recruit other business leaders into helping the clean up of Narragansett Bay. As such, he headed the first corporate campaign for Save the Bay and his success changed the dynamics of the organization." On a personal note, she adds, "He was a real gentleman, full of heart, and always caring."
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Seaman was a graduate of Exeter Academy and Yale University and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a past president of the National Welding Supply Association and a co-founder of the Providence Chapter of the American Welding Supply. He was past president of the Agawam Hunt Club and the Yale Club of Rhode Island and was a member of the Newport Reading Room, Spouting Rock Beach Association, Newport Clambake Club, Hope Club and Newport Country Club. He was active with the Narragansett Chapter of the Boy Scouts and a member of St. Martin s Church in Providence and St. Columba s Chapel of middletown.
He was the husband of Eleanor (Kritzer) Seaman. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Pamela Jean Seaman of Chicago, two sons, John Scott Seaman of Brookline, MA, and Avery "Whip" Seaman, Jr. of Portsmouth, and three grandchildren. He was the brother of the late David Sands Seaman, Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 19 at 11 a.m. in St. Martin s Church on Orchard Avenue in Providence.
Charles Nicholas Mamakos
of Newport, who died at age 87, was the husband of the late Diane (Kutsaftis) Mamakos. He is survived by one daughter, Mary Ann Swanson of College Station, TX, one brother, Mike Mamakos of Brooklyn, NY, two sisters, Penelope Rokis of Union, NJ, and Joanna Sarellis of Mytilene, Greece, one grandson, Mark Swanson of Houston, TX and one granddaughter, Dianne Collier of Houston, TX. He was also the brother of the late Persephone Patrellis.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, April 19 at 10 a.m. from the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. in St. Spyridon s Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames St., Newport. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Unit of Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties or to St. Spyridon s Greek Orthodox Church.
Emily D. (Almeida) Roque
(nee Almeida) of Middletown, who died at age 89, was the wife of Joseph W. Roque. Mr. and Mrs. Roque celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary April 7, 2001.Besides her husband, Mrs. Roque is survived by a daughter, Ann E. Paschoal of Middletown, one grandson, Stephen Paschoal of Atlanta, GA, many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.Memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Service of Newport and Bristol Counties.
Dorothy Bartlem Bickerstaff
(nee Negus) of Newport, who died at age 94, was the wife of the late Alger F. Bickerstaff and is survived by a son, Alger Bickerstaff of Highland Mills, NY, a daughter, Marion Bickerstaff of Springfield, MA, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was also the mother of the late Bertha Mathinos.
Joseph Peter Roggero
of Middletown, who died at age 82, is survived by his wife Bertha (Desjardins) Roggero, two sons, Paul J. Roggero of Jupiter, FL, Joseph P. Roggero, Jr. of Middletown, a daughter, Judith A. Simons of Somerset, MA, three brothers, Harry Roggero and Vincent Roggero of Middletown, Marcello Roggero of Taunton and four grandchildren. He was also the father of the late William Roggero and Peter Jr. Roggero and brother of the late Frank Roggero and Mary Dutra. His funeral will be held Thursday, April 19 at 8 a.m. at the Memorial Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in St. Lucy s Church in Middletown. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.
Arthur William Smith
of Newport, who died at age 52, is survived by one sister, Sharon Turner of Portsmouth, one brother, James V. Smith of Tiverton, two nieces, two nephews, three aunts and several cousins. His funeral will be held Thursday, April 19 at 9 a.m. from the Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony s Church in Portsmouth. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI.
Melpomene "Mabel" Alexander
(nee Fotelis) of Newport, who died at age 88, was the wife of the late George G. Alexander. She is survived by one son, Gregory G. Alexander of Townsend, DE, one daughter, Irene C. Damaskos of Newport, one sister, Elizabeth Patterson of San Antonio, TX, six grandchildren, one great grandson, five nieces and nephews and many grandnieces and grandnephews. She was also the sister of the late Nicholas Fotelis and Aphrodite Sarellis. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Spyridon Philoptochos Society Scholarship Fund.
MaryAnn B. Amrose
(nee Castora) of Newport, who died at age 64, was the wife of the late Lt. Cdr. Lawrence A. Amrose, USN. She is survived by one son, Lawrence M. Amrose of Tempe, AZ, two brothers Phillip J. Castora of Los Angeles and David L. Castora of Claysville, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 20 at 9 a.m. in the Chapel of Hope, NETC Newport. Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Memorial donations may be made to the Order of St. Joseph of Cluny in Newport.
Edith "Kay" Helgesen
of Newport, who died at age 82, was the daughter of the late Fred and Hilda A. (Herbert) Helgesen and is survived by many cousins in Nova Scotia. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 21 at 11 a.m. in the Hambly Funeral Home in Newport. Burial will be private.
May 3, 2001
George Perry
George C. Perry, Jr., 64, former Newport City Councilman, died at the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, Massachusetts on Thursday, April 26. He was the husband of Sheila Foley Perry.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late George C. and Helen Leahy Perry. He was a graduate of Boston College class of 1958 and a graduate of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where he received his Masters in 1964. Mr. Perry served in the Navy in 1960 and was a member of the Officers Candidate School in Newport and had one time served on the Joseph P. Kennedy.
Mr. Perry was the owner and operator of the Bed and Breakfast on the Point in Newport for many years and served as president of the Newport County Bed and Breakfast Association and a member of the Point Association.
Mr. Perry established CONGO (Coalition of Newport Grassroots Organizations.)
"Out of his concern about the health of the community, George formed CONGO. He recognized that the council was not doing the work that it should, and that community groups interaction with government was necessary," stated Sally Blackett, Mr. Perry s successor as president of CONGO.
Mr. Perry was also a member of CANN (Citizens Against Noise and Nuisance). "George was a very civic-minded person. Early on he was very concerned with noise and nuisance issues," said former Newport Mayor David Gordon. "The city ordinances we have now are a result of George s work with CONGO, CANN and on the council," he added.
From 1997 to 1999 Mr. Perry served as a Newport City councilman, representing the First Ward.
"Even though we were often on different ends of issues, when we worked together on the council several years ago, we worked in a professional manner," stated Mayor Sardella.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, George C. Perry, III of Manchester, NH, and Christopher T. Perry of S. Weymouth, MA, two sisters, Lorraine V. Fay of Brookline, MA, and Helen M. Nyhan of Andover, MA, two grandchildren, Megan M. Perry and Emily D. Perry.
Mr. Perry's funeral was held on Monday, April 30. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 400 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.
Natalie Winslow
Natalie Winslow, 91, a long-time resident of Coggeshall Avenue in Newport died at the Grand Islander Center in Middletown on Monday, April 25. She was the daughter of Nathaniel J. and Violet Hess. Mr. Hess, a New York stockbroker, kept a stable of hunters at their Long Island home, where he started Natalie in the art of horsemanship and devotion to animals that would stay with her for her entire life. She participated in many equestrian events, most notably, riding at the prestigious Madison Square Garden Horse Show.
Mrs. Winslow was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart on New York City and later in Italy. As a young woman, she served with the American Red Cross during World War II in Italy. "Natalie told me once that she was in love with an Italian prince but his family wouldn t accept her because she was a commoner," stated a long -time friend, Muriel Case. She went on to say, "Natalie was a very endearing person."
While still in Italy, Mrs Winslow met and married Commander Cameron McRae Winslow, a Navy Cross hero. Commander Winslow died in 1981.
Her lifelong interest in and concern for animals led Mrs. Winslow to the Potter League for Animals. "Back in the 1950s Mrs. Winslow saw a need to revitalize the League and continued her work here for fifty years. So much of her life centered around her love of animals," stated Christie Smith, executive director of the Potter League. One of the activities for which she is well-recognized is the Annual Blessing of the Animals, which she helped to organize and attended every year with her Cairn Terriers.
Mrs. Winslow founded the Newport Dog Training School, which met at Rovensky Park. People who knew her commented that while she was able to train the dogs of others, she met with limited success with her own dogs.
"While on the Newport Show House Committee for Hope Farm in Bristol, I decorated a dog house on the property and dedicated it to Natalie. She was so dedicated to her dogs, it seemed only fitting," stated Dottie Wheeler.
A memorial funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 1 at St. Augustin Church in Newport. Donations may be made in her memory to the Potter League for Animals, Box 412, Newport RI.
May 10, 2001
George Joseph Burgess Jr.
50, formerly of Middletown who was a cook for seven years at the Black Pearl Restaurant in Newport, died Saturday, May 5 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.
Born in Newport, he is the son of Dorothy A. (MacDougall) Burgess of Middletown, and the late George J. Burgess. Mr. Burgess had worked as a cook for the Veterans Administration Transitional House in New Bedford, Mass. Mr. Burgess was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during the Vietnam era. He was a graduate of the St. Mary School and Rogers High School, Class of 1968.
He is survived by one daughter Kyla E. Burgess of Portsmouth, two brothers Gerard Burgess of Newport, and James Burgess of Middletown, and two sisters JoAnne McDonough of Middletown, and Mary Ellen Vericker of Watertown, Mass.
Funeral services were to be held on Wednesday, May 9, at 8 a.m. from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m., in St. Lucy's Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial was to follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, R.I.
Claire Theresa Dempsey
71, who was a member and volunteer of the Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Citizens Center for many years, died on Monday, May 7 at her home in Portsmouth.
Born in Providence, Mrs. Dempsey was the daughter of the late John and Loretta (Talbot) Dempsey.
She is survived by one son, Gerard Dempsey of Providence, two daughters, Michele Dempsey of Bellingham, Mass., and Julie Santos of Gainsville, Fla., one brother, Robert Dempsey of Gulf Breeze, Fla., one granddaughter Julia Dempsey of Gainesville, Fla., and a great-grandson, Jordan Collazo of Gainesville, Fla/. She was also the sister of the late Norman Dempsey.
Funeral services were to be held on May 9 at 7 p.m. in Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
Helen Louise Silvia
(born Soares), 86, who was a housekeeper in many homes on Aquidneck Island, died on Saturday, May 5 at her daughter's home in Portsmouth.
Mrs. Silvia was born in Portsmouth and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Justina (Rego) Soares. She was the wife of the late George M. Silvia. She was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church.
She is survived by a son, George A. Silvia of Tiverton, a daughter, Helen L. Viera of Portsmouth, three brothers, Antone Soares and Manuel Soares both of Portsmouth, and Joseph Soares of Attleboro, Mass., five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was the sister of the late Frank Soares and two sisters Clara Gomes and Adeline Faria.
Her funeral was held Tuesday, May 8 from the Connors Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Anthony's and burial in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.
Donations may be made to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Wagon Fund or the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol.
William Thomas Mulholland
71, who was a driver at Saccucci Lincoln Mercury, a teller at The People's Credit Union and Jai Alai, and worked with other Newport County businesses, died on Monday, May 7 at his home in Newport.
Born in Newport, he was the son of the late Dana James Mulholland and Mary G. (Fitzpatrick) Mulholland.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert F. Mulholland of Portsmouth and James Dana Mulholland of Peabody, Mass., and a niece and a nephew. He was the brother of the late John James Mulholland.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, May 10 at 8:30 a.m. from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway in Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations may be made to the Newport Rescue Wagon Fund in Newport.
May 17, 2001
Filomena "Fibi" Perrotti
75, who died on May 9 at Newport Hospital, owned and operated with her husband Perrotti's Drug Stores and Gift Shoppes. The business was first started by Mr. Perrotti's father, Mario Perrotti in 1934 as Park Pharmacy and then later as Perrotti's Rexall Drugs. The business grew to three branches in Newport and Middletown until 1980.
Born in Woonsocket, Mrs. Perrotti was the daughter of the late Egidio and Teresa (Martella) DiPardo. She was the graduate of RI College of Pharmacy in 1945, married in 1946 and celebrated 55 years of marriage last April. After selling the business she worked at Cote Pharmacy on Broadway, Caswell Massey on Thames Street and Nadeau's Drugs in Portsmouth. She also worked at Canvassing Authority at Newport City Hall and as a secretary at St. Joseph Church for Rev. Timothy Sullivan. She was a member of St. Joseph's Rosary and Alter Society and the Catholic Daughters of America.
She was the wife of Gennaro "Gene" Perrotti. She is survived by three sons, Thomas A. Perrotti of Middletown, Christopher B. Perrotti of Newport and Anthony M. Perrotti of Cincinnati, Ohio, five daughters Jeanne M. Perrotti and Katherine R. Perrotti of Newport, Teresa Oechcuzzo of Middletown, Sandra Connery of Tiverton and Joanne Regan of Deerfield Beach, Fla, a brother, Joseph DiPardo of Oahu, Hawaii, a sister, Rose Rodriques of Woonsocket and 17 grandchildren. She was also the sister of the late Angelo DiPardo and Nina Morin.
Her funeral was held on May 12 with burial in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.
Donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Research For Neurological Disease in Boston or the St. Joseph's Church Soup Kitchen in Newport.
Katherine Hartwell Austin Peckham
89, who died Saturday, May 12 at John Clark Nursing Center in Middletown, was a 1935 graduate of Smith College and taught French and English at the Cambridge School for Girls until her marriage. Later in life she worked as an editor and translator for the Columbia University Press. She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, the Newport Art Association, The League of Women Voters, The Redwood Library and The Alliance Frantaise.
Born in St. Albans, Vermont, Mrs. Peckham was the daughter of Roswell M. Austin and Katherine Hartwell Sewall. She is preceded in death by her husband Lawton Parker Greenman Peckham of Middletown.
She is survived by her daughters Katharine P. Ambrose of Knoxville, Tenn., and Mary P. Day of Middletown; four grandchildren, Douglas J. Emlen, Katherine M. Emlen, Alice I. Day and Charles P. Day; one great-grandson, Cory M. Emlen; a sister Anne Davidson of New Bern, N.C.; a brother, Roswell M. Austin, Jr. of Clifton, Queensland, Australia; and a sister-in-law, Priscilla B. Peckham of Middletown.
A memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church in June.
Robert M. Reeve
79, who died on Wednesday, May 9 at Newport Hospital, worked for many years in the Newport area as a painter and wallpaper hanger and also worked for many years for the Miller Family as a cab driver with the Cozy Cab Company.
Born in The Point section of Newport, he was the son of the late Charles and Gertrude Bailey Reeve. He was a former member of the Weenat Shassitt Tribe #6 of the Improved Order of Red Man.
Mr. Reeve was the husband of the late Laura R. Norbury Reeve. He is survived by his son, Harry W. Reeve, his daughter-in-law, Lorine Reeve and grandson, Harry C. Reeve all of Newport; two sisters Alma Cole of Jensen Beach, Fla., and Mary O'Neill of Holyoke, Mass.; a niece, Mary McDaniel of Newport. He was the brother of the late Donald Reeve, Charles Reeve, James Reeve, Clayton Reeve, Beatrice Murphy, Frederick Reeve and Anna Gray. He was the lifelong friend of Mrs. Dottie Perris of Newport.
Mr. Reeve's funeral and burial service will be private.
Doris V. Lasky Levin
94, who died on Friday, May 11 at her home in Rochester, N.Y., was a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River and a former Fall River resident.
Born in Russia, she was the daughter of the late Morris and Tilley Rubinstein. She was the wife of the late Ainsley Lasky and the late Francis Levin.
She is survived by a son, Charles M. Lasky of Newport, a daughter, Adell Crane Ornstein of Rochester, seven grandchildren, Marc Lasky and Jay Lasky both of Middletown, Robert Lasky of Portsmouth, Marcia Haber of Atlanta, Howard Crane and Jeffrey Crane both of Rochester, Alan Crane of Waban, Mass. and eleven great-grandchildren.
A graveside funeral service was held on Sunday, May 13 in the Temple Beth El Cemetery in Fall River. Donations may be made in her memory to the Jewish Home of Rochester.
James Terris Turbayne
82, who died on Thursday, April 12 at the John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown, was a resident of Portsmouth following his retirement from the British Tourist Authority in New York City.
Born in Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland, he was the youngest of five children born to James T. and Catherine Henderson Turbayne and spent his childhood in Lundin Links, Fife. During World War II he was commissioned in the Royal Air Force and served in Britain and the Middle East. In 1946 he joined the British Tourist Authority in London and in 1948 was transferred to the United States as assistant manager in New York.
During his long career with British Tourist Authority he became Director of the British-American Chamber of Commerce, as well as being an enthusiastic member of many travel associations, crossing "The Pond" many times. His favorite recreations were fishing and golf.
On retirement, he chose the more relaxed pace of life in Portsmouth and made many new friends there. He is survived by his sister Ann Blair and her family in England.
Mr. Turbayne's committal service was held on Saturday, April 21 at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. Donations in his memory may be made to The Salvation Army.
Matthew Francis Quinn
97, who died on Friday, May 4 at the Village House Nursing Home in Newport, was the owner and operator of the former Quinn Tile Company in Fall River for over thirty years. He was a resident of Portsmouth and a Communicant of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth.
Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Francis and Margaret (McGillick) Quinn. He was the husband of the late Mary (Carpenter) Quinn. He is survived by one daughter, Maureen E. Cabral of Chesapeake, Va.; one granddaughter, Lorri Barrett of Chesapeake, Va., one grandson, David Cabral of Nashua, N.H. and seven great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Cemetery, East Main Road, Portsmouth.
June 7, 2001
William G. Andrea
79, of Newport, who died on Saturday, June 2 at the Newport Hospital, was the owner and operator of the Boulevard Texaco Gas Station on Memorial Boulevard for 25 years until selling his business in the 1980s.
Born in Newport, Mr. Andrea was the son of the late Jesse and Mary Dias Andrea. Mr. Andrea attended the former DeLaSalle Academy. In his youth, he was a landscaper for many homes in Newport. He was also an avid bowler and a member of the Newport K of C, Council 256.
He was the husband of Beverly A. MacDonald Andrea and the late Muriel Cassidy Andrea. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Lauren De Santis of Newport and Judy Andrea Bell of Middletown; a stepson, Robert Novick of Newport; a stepdaughter, Stephanie L. Rigney of Portsmouth, a brother, Herman Andrea of Portsmouth, five grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren. He was the brother of the late Charles Andrea, John Andrews, Manuel Andrea, Mary Rose Cunha and Mary Angel Sousa.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, June 5 at St. Joseph's Church on Broadway. Internment was to be at Newport Memorial Park in Middletown. Donations may be made in his memory to the Potter League for Animals.
John J. Hattub,
84, of Middletown, who died on Saturday, June 2 at the Forest Farm Health Care Center in Middletown, was an insurance agent with Prudential Insurance Company for over twenty years and a former partner at the former American Ice and Coal Company in Newport.
Born in Newport, Mr. Hattub was the son of the late Michael and Esther Hyder Hattub. He was a veteran of World War II where he worked with the naval intelligence in Newport and in the Pacific. Mr. Hattub played baseball in the Newport Sunset League and was an avid bowler. He was an honorary lifetime member of Wanumetonomy Golf and Country Club in Middletown, honorary member of the Middletown Knights of Columbus and former member of the Middletown Rotary Club.
Mr. Hattub was the husband of the late Zita M. O'Connell Hattub. Mr. Hattub is survived by his daughter Mary Beth McMurray and his granddaughters Hannah McMurray and Rachel McMurray.
A Mass of Christian Burial was to be held Wednesday, June 6 at St. Lucy's Church. Internment was to be at St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations may be made in his memory to the St. Lucy's Church in Middletown.
Stephen David Northrup,
55, formerly of Middletown, who died on Monday, June 4 at his Jamestown home, was the general manager at the Mount Hope Marine in Portsmouth.
Born in Newport, he was the son of the late Bernard H. and Mary G. (Lynch) Northrup. Mr. Northrup served in the National Guard from 1965 to 1970. He had worked as an engineer with the American Shipyard formerly Newport Shipyard.
He was the husband of Catherine Anne (Curran) Northrup. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter Jennifer Caswell of Jamestown; two brothers, Joseph Northrup of Newport, and Paul Northrup of Tiverton; a sister, Maryann Otto of Pittsboro, Ind.; and a granddaughter, Catherine Caswell of Jamestown.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church on Broadway. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
June 21, 2001
Arshag Gudoian
Arshag "Jacques" Gudoian, who has died aged 91, was a cook for 60 years at the Viking Hotel, St. George's School, Salve Regina University and at the White Horse Tavern.
He retired from the White Horse Tavern in 1990 at the age of 80.
An East Bowery Street resident in Newport, Gudoian died on June 15 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of the late Tarvis "Doris" (Shahinian) Gudoian.
Born in Armenia Jan. 31, 1910, Arshag Gudoian was the son of the late Varten and Egsieg (Zarafian) Gudoian.
He is survived by one son, Richard Gudoian of Portsmouth; two daughters, Martha Gudoian Bushey of Sunderland, Mass. and Madeline Palian of North Providence; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was also the brother of the late Moses Zarifian.
Funeral services and burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Newport Rescue Wagon Fund, 21 W. Marlborough St., Newport, RI 02840.
September 20, 2001
Regina Buford
Regina L. (Lynch) Buford, 98, of 85 Wilkey Ave. in Portsmouth, where she resided with Virginia and Dennis Marten, died Sunday, Sept. 16 at Forest Farm Health Care Center in Middletown. She was the wife of the late Edward H. Buford. Born in Newport Aug. 16, 1903, she was the daughter of the late Henry G. and Helen J. (Kirby) Lynch. She was a 1921 graduate of St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Providence and had been class president. She moved to New York City, where she worked at Morrisania City Hospital for 37 years as a nurse anesthetist, retiring in 1958. She had received numerous letters of recommendations during her working career from various doctors. She was an avid golfer and had belonged to various golf clubs in Venice, Fla. She enjoyed traveling. She is survived by her sister, Claire Venturi of Venice, Fla.; nephews Frederick Michels of Arlington, Va. and Blake Lynch of Vail, Colo.; nieces Joanne Murphy of Naples, Fla., Helen McLyman of Portsmouth, Roberta Pierson of Middletown and Barbara Venturi of Bern, N.C.; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. She was the sister of the late Helen Michels, Louise Jones, Henry Lynch and Joseph Lynch. A memorial service will be held Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, East Main Road in Portsmouth and burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Elizabeth Capron
Elizabeth Baldwin (Taylor) Capron, 89, of 600 Valley Road in Middletown, formerly of West House on Forest Avenue in Middletown, died Monday, Sept. 10 at John Clarke Nursing Center in Middletown. She was the wife of the late Robert Capron. Born in Newport Sept. 29, 1911, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Alice (Baldwin) Taylor. She was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church. She is survived by her grandchildren Deborah Jourabchi of Warwick, Robert Jordan of Cape Coral, Fla. and Barbara Jordan of Newport and her great-grandchildren Krista Batchlor of Virginia Beach, Va., Dana Williams and Holly Williams, both of Newport. Her funeral was held Sept. 14 at the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport and burial was in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 245 Waterman St., Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.
Mary Levesque
Former State Representative Mary Elizabeth Levesque, 49, of 1 Sail St. in Jamestown died Sept. 17 at Newport Hospital. Born in Portsmouth Aug. 10, 1952, she was the daughter of Anna Doyle Levesque and the late Thomas B. Levesque. Elected to the R.I. House of Representatives in 1988, she served the 98th District (Jamestown-Newport) until leaving office in 1996. She served on the Health, Education and Welfare Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Labor Committee and was the prime sponsor of legislation that required health insurers to cover the costs of in-vitro fertilization, assisting hundreds of Rhode Islanders create families. Levesque was recognized as the Civil Libertarian of the Year by the R.I. chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in 1996 and was the recipient of the 1997 Community Service award by the Newport chapter of the NAACP. She later served on the board of directors of the ACLU. She was a member of the board of directors of the Newport County branch of the NAACP, a member of the board of directors of Planned Parenthood Votes and a member of the Jamestown Community Chorus. She lived in Portsmouth until moving to Jamestown in 1980. She was an attorney, admitted to practice before the Rhode Island and Federal bars in 1978. She practiced 23 years as an attorney in the state: one year as a volunteer in service to America, seven years as an assistant public defender and 15 years in private practice, originally with her father, Thomas, and brother, Charles. She was a member of the Rhode Island, Newport and Portsmouth bar associations. She is survived by her mother; brothers Thomas Levesque, Ernest Levesque, former state Representative George Levesque and state Representative Charles Levesque; sister-in-law Susan Levesque; nephew Thomas H. Levesque, III; niece Michelle Levesque; and her extended family, Paula Rosen, David Pritchard and Evan and Leah Rosen Pritchard. She was a graduate of St. Anthony's Elementary School in Portsmouth, Portsmouth High School, Wilmington College and Washington University School of Law. Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21 from Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road in Portsmouth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road in Portsmouth. Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at Connors Funeral Home. Friends and relatives are invited. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery, Portsmouth. Donations in her memory may be made to: Visiting Nurse Services of Newport & Bristol counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871; ACLU, 128 Dorrance St., Suite 220, Providence, RI 02903; NAACP, Newport County Branch, 72 E. Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840; Planned Parenthood, 111 Point St., Providence, RI 02903.
Cintra Ellis Carter
Cintra Ellis Carter, 36, died suddenly in Bali, Indonesia July 31. She graduated from the Hill School in Middleburg, Va. and the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. and attended Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Conn. She was a graduate of Franklin College in Lugano, Switzerland. After college she worked for the late Italian fashion designer Versace in Milan, Italy. Upon returning to Washington, she worked for Benetton, Ltd. and as a marketing representative for La Perla, Inc. She moved to San Francisco to continue fashion and jewelry design before moving to Bali, where she had her own design business. She is survived by her mother Joy Carter Sundlun of Washington, and brother Michael Rudulph Ellis Carter of Wilmette, Ill. A memorial service was held Sept. 16 at St. Columba's Chapel in Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to the Cintra Ellis Carter trust fund c/o the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, 2841 Illinois Road, Wilmette, IL 60091. The fund supports the diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mental illnesses in children and adolescents.
Michael Simmons
Michael Stephen Simmons, 33, of 57 Perry Ave. in Middletown died Sunday, Sept. 16 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Lisa (Smith) Simmons. Born in Newport Oct. 16, 1967, he was the son of Stephen N. Simmons of Newport and Susan (Clifford) Brackett of Castle Valley, Utah. He most recently worked as a chef at KJ's Pub on Aquidneck Avenue. Prior to that he was owner and operator of Fred's Old Place on Thames Street and worked at the Pier Restaurant. He was a 1985 graduate of Rogers High School and played Little League baseball in the Fifth Ward, winning many awards. He played on the Jimmy's Saloon men's softball team, was an avid saltwater fisherman and enjoyed golf and skiing. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church. He is survived by his wife; parents; daughters Amber Rose, Jesse Sue and Chloe Karen Simmons, all of Middletown; brother David Paul Simmons of Silt, Colo.; and sisters Christine Wight of Vail, Colo. and Stacey A. Simmons of Breckenridge, Colo. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 22 at St. John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar St. in Newport. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Tiverton.
Margaret Silvia
Margaret (Perry) Silvia, 85, of 484 East Main Road in Middletown, formerly of Chases Lane, Middletown, died in a tragic accident Sunday, Sept. 16. She was the wife of the late George B. Silvia. Born in Middletown Jan. 4, 1916, she lived her entire life there. She was the daughter of the late Joseph P. and Emilia (Dennis) Perry. She was a communicant at Jesus Saviour Church, Newport, and was a member of the Rosary Sodality Civic League. She is survived by three sons, George L. Silvia and Raymond R. Silvia both of Middletown, and Anthony B. Silvia of The Villages, Fla.; three daughters Marie Lavault of Middletown, Peg Buchan of Taftville, Conn, Toni "Cookie" Silvia of Lebanon, Conn.; two brothers Raymond and George Silvia, both of Middletown; 18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She was the mother of the late John J. Silvia, sister of the late Joseph P. Silvia, Louis P. Silvia, Manuel P. Silvia, John P. Silvia, Rose Roderick, Emily Parkurst, Evelyn Perry, and the grandmother of the late Anthony Silvia. Her funeral will be held Thursday, Sept., 20, at 8 a.m. at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. in Jesus Savior Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in St. Columbia Cemetery in Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the Middletown Rescue Fund, 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI, 02842.
