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Harold Kenyon
Harold Spencer Kenyon, 62, of 99 Bliss Mine Road in Newport died Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Karen-Lee (Christie) Kenyon. Born in Newport April 18, 1939, he was the son of the late Irving W. and Evelyn (Rimmer) Kenyon.
Mr. Kenyon worked as a manager for Bowler Van Line from 1978 to 1982, then for Andrews Moving & Storage from 1982 to 2001. Prior to working for Bowler Van Line, he was a chauffeur for the late Diana Ryan on Vaucluse Farm in Middletown. He was a former crusifer and acolyte at Emmanuel Church, a former member of the Newport Yacht Club and a 1957 graduate of Rogers High School. He also enjoyed coin collecting.
He is survived by his wife, son Steven S. Kenyon of Newport, daughters Joyce-Ann Michaels of Newport and Christie-Ann Gafgen of Key West, Fla., sisters Muriel Bergmann of Middletown and Barbara Spooner of Carver, Mass., and grandchildren Benjamin Michaels, Carrissa Kenyon and Miranda Kenyon, all of Newport. He was the brother of the late Ralph Primrose and Madeline Hein.
His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 18 in the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Ave., Newport. Burial will be at Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.
Gwendolyn Mesler
Gwendolyn Joyce Mesler, 66, of 86 Douglas Ave. in Portsmouth died Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Newport Hospital. She was the wife of the late Calvin L. Mesler, who died July 2, 2001 after the two had been married 43 years. Born in Morgan, Vt., March 15, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Roy Edmund and Audrey (Powell) Gardner.
Mrs. Mesler worked for 25 years as a bookkeeper for One Stop Building Supply Co. She was a member of the Portsmouth United Methodist Church and enjoyed going on camping trips and traveling with her husband, children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons Brent Mesler of Newport, Steven Mesler of Portsmouth and Craig Mesler of Fall River, Mass.; daughter Wanda Angel of West Greenwich; brother Ronald Gardner of Littleton, N.H.; sister Juanita L. Fugere of Newport, Vt., and six grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Karson L. Mesler and the sister of the late Dorian Gardner, Russell Gardner, Malcolm Gardner and Lyndon Gardner.
Her funeral was held Oct. 13 in the Portsmouth United Methodist Church and burial was at Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Portsmouth United Methodist Church, 2732 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
Jessica Gonzalez
Jessica Ann Gonzalez, 37, of 21 Cowie St. in Newport died Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. She was the wife of Daniel J. Gonzalez. Born in Fall River, Mass., Nov. 12, 1963, she was the daughter of Bertha Kay Smith of North Kingstown and the late Rocco Romano. Mrs. Gonzalez was a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. At one time in her life she wanted to be a nurse and had attended nursing school. She is survived by her husband, mother, daughters Rhianna Gardner, Sirena Gonzalez and Aislinn Gonzalez, all of Newport, and sons Michael Gardner and Joseph Johnson, both of Newport. A memorial Mass was held Oct. 20 at St. Barnabas Church. Burial was private. Donations in her memory may be made to the Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.
Lorraine Harden
Lorraine "Lori" Doris (Weeden) Harden, 62, of 969 West Main Road in Middletown, formerly of Mt. Vernon St. in Newport, died Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Grand Islander Health Care Center, 333 Green End Ave. in Middletown, after a brief illness with cancer. She was the wife of the late Johnnie Lee Harden. Born in Newport Sept. 14, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Doris (Butler) Weeden. Mrs. Harden was a native of Newport. She attended St. Mary’s and John Clarke schools. Most of her life was centered on her family – loving, rearing and keeping up with her many children and grandchildren. She found time to be involved in community affairs, including establishing the Johnnycake Center on Beacon Street and working for Mr. George Wein and the Newport Jazz Festival. Over the past several years, she had been living in Atlanta, Ga., where she took computer classes at AARP and eventually worked for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution and the Mental Health Association of Atlanta until her recent illness. She was a well-developed and talented ceramist as well as a self-taught artist, which she enjoyed as a favorite hobby. She also loved to fish at many of the local fishing spots in Newport such as the Causeway, the Pier and the Ocean Drive. She is survived by her children John F. Weeden of Newport, Donna L. Weeden of Middletown, Rodney A. Weeden of Lancaster, Calif., Lori Brown of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Laurene D. Weeden of East Point, Ga., Ronaldo "Ronnie" Brown of Warwick, Damon L. Weeden of Newport, Dayle L. Harden of Newport, Kelly L. Harden of Providence, Kerry L. Harden of Newport, Deric L. Harden of Warren and Curtis L. Harden of Middletown; brothers Douglas F. Weeden of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Tyrone L. Weeden of Newport, 33 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Richard L. Reed. Memorial services will be privately held.
Margaret Hodgkin
Margaret C. Hodgkin, 84, of 24 Standish Road in Jamestown died Sunday, Oct. 21 at St. Clare Home in Newport. She was the wife of the late Patrick H. Hodgkin. Born in El Paso, Texas, Jan. 22, 1917, she was the son of the late Claude C. Curtis and Claire John Curtis. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Mrs. Hodgkin also received a master’s degree from Middlebury Graduate School in Vermont. During the latter part of World War II, she was a reporter and editor for the Savannah Morning News in Savannah, Ga. She married in 1945 and moved to Culver, Ind., where she raised a family and worked for the editor of the alumni magazine at Culver Military Academy. In 1984, Mr. and Mrs. Hodgkin retired to Jamestown. She was a member of St. Matthew’s parish and was active in the chorus and pastoral care committee. She was also active in several Jamestown social and community organizations. She is survived by her brother Robert M. Curtis of Westport, Conn., sons Jonathan P. Hodgkin of Essex Junction, Vt., Andrew M. Hodgkin of Barrington and Thomas C. Hodgkin of Colebrook, Conn., three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 87 Narragansett Ave. in Jamestown. Donations in her memory may be made to the Jamestown organization of the donor’s choice or to the St. Clare Home, 309 Spring St., Newport, RI 02840.
Vincent Roggero
Vincent Robert Roggero, 59, of 9 Sylvan Terrace in Newport died Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence. Born in Winthrop, Mass., Sept. 24, 1945, he was the son of Harry Roggero, Sr. of Middletown and the late Rosemary (Lenaghan) Roggero. Mr. Roggero was a configuration management specialist at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center for 36 years before retiring in April of this year. Mr. Roggero was a member of Sail Newport and an avid sailor. He owned his own Pearson 35, Galatea, moored at Brenton cove. He was a former snow skier who had accomplished skiing most of the New England mountains. He is survived by his father, son Vincent R. Roggero, Jr. of Williamsburg, Va., and brother Harry J. Roggero, Jr. of Newport. His funeral will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport. Burial was private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, 50 Maude St., Providence, RI 02908.
Alma Zeigler
Alma Earlene (Taylor) Zeigler, 58, of 100 Almeida Terrace in Portsmouth died Monday, Oct. 15 at Newport Hospital. Born in Goldsboro, N.C., Jan. 12, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Roscoe and Flossie (Jones) Taylor. Mrs. Zeigler worked at the Courtyard Marriott as a supervisor of the housekeeping department. She enjoyed reading and traveling. She is survived by her brothers Bobby C. and Michael E. Taylor, both of Goldsboro, N.C., Jerry D. Taylor of Fredericksburg, Va., and Roscoe Taylor, Jr. of Lindenwold, N.J.; sisters Marilyn R.T. Smith of Goldsboro, N.C., and Cheryl D. Johnson of Providence and several nieces and nephews. Her funeral was held Oct. 20 at the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport. Burial was private.
Howard North
Howard Robert North, 57, of Portsmouth died Tuesday, Oct. 23. He was the husband of Leslie Locke North. Born in Newport Jan. 24, 1944, he was the son of Della Calnen North and the late Howard T. North. He graduated from Rogers High School and Providence College, where he also earned graduate degrees.
Mr. North was an educator at Middletown High School for 29 years, beginning in 1970. He worked with and cared for many students as a mathematics teacher, math team coach and, toward the end of his career, assistant principal. He was a retired Captain in the Coast Guard reserve, for which he served as chief inspector in the Northeast District. His active service in the Coast Guard spanned from 1966 to 1970. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Point Clear on the Mekong Delta. He loved Aquidneck Island and spent many hours gardening and fishing.
He is survived by his wife, mother and children Charlotte and Benjamin.
His funeral was held Oct. 27 at Memorial Funeral Home in Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church in Newport. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Trooper Timothy Regan Scholarship Fund, c/o Middletown High School, Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842.
Nancy Totten
Nancy (Strong) Totten, 62, of Sylvan Street in Newport, a retired public school teacher, died Wednesday, Oct. 24 at home. She was the wife of Randolph B. Totten. Born in Pennington, N.J., she was the daughter of Claire (Vansant) Strong of Winter Haven, Fla., and the late Norman L. Strong.
Mrs. Totten was a career public elementary teacher who loved life, but most of all she loved helping children try to figure out life. She taught in Newport, Barrington, Warren, North Kingstown and in Jamestown for nine years and Fairfax County, Va., for seven years, where she coordinated a regional program for gifted and talented students. In the 1990s she coordinated the gifted and talented program for the Coventry Public Schools. After retiring in 1998, she was also a volunteer in the Portsmouth elementary schools. Mrs. Totten received her bachelor’s degree from Cedar Crest College in Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in gifted education from the University of South Florida. She was a member of the Wanumetonomy Golf Club of Middletown and a founding member of the "Beach Ladies," a Jamestown and Newport social organization.
She is survived by her husband, mother, daughter Michele Egan of Jamestown, sons Kurt Totten and Craig Totten, both of Wakefield, and Bart Totten of Jamestown, and brother Norman Strong of Little Compton.
A memorial service was held Oct. 30 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Jamestown. Donations in her memory may be made for the purchase of special third and fourth grade reading materials to the Jamestown PTO Book Fund, 76 Melrose Ave., Jamestown, RI 02835 or to the Elmhurst School, 1 Frank Coelho Drive, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Michael Chamberlin
Michael Sullivan Chamberlin, 59, of 4 Carroll Ave. in Newport died Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Judith (Devlin) Chamberlin. Born in Newport April 1, 1942, he was the son of the late George and Claire (Sullivan) Chamberlin.
Mr. Chamberlin worked as a mechanic for Newport Tire, formerly Carney & Fitzgerald, for 15 years. He later worked at the Newport Marriott in the engineering department for two years.
He is survived by his wife, son Michael Chamberlin of Newport, daughters Carol Leary and Kelly Pires, both of Newport, brothers George Chamberlin, Terrance Chamberlin and Kevin Chamberlin, all of Middletown, and Robert Chamberlin of Florida, sisters Ann Vieu and Claire Benish, both of Newport, and Cheryl Ney of Portsmouth and six grandchildren.
His funeral was held Saturday, Nov. 10 at Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustin’s Church. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Christopher Clements
Christopher Shawn Clements, 24, of 43 Bramans Lane in Portsmouth died Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Born in Fall River, Mass., March 20, 1977, he was the son of Marvin and Debra (Dupras) Clements of Portsmouth.
Mr. Clements worked for the Doubletree Hotel on Goat Island as a banquet coordinator for several years, and at Shaw’s Supermarket in Middletown. He was a 1996 graduate of Portsmouth High School, where he played on the football team. He sailed in the Newport Volvo Leukemia Cup Regatta.
He is survived by his parents, sister Kimberly Clements of Portsmouth, fiancée Kimberly Little of Portsmouth and two nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Nov. 10 at St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. Burial was in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth. Donations in his memory may be made to the Middletown Fraternal Order of Police for Clements’ Benefit Fund, c/o Bank of Newport, PO Box 450, Newport, RI 02840.
Charles Corey
Charles Joseph Corey, Sr., 77, of 54 Homer St. in Newport died Sunday, Nov. 11 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. He was the husband of the late Florinda Mary (Mello) Corey. Born in Portsmouth March 30, 1924, he was the son of the late Manuel and Anna (Raposa) Corey.
Mr. Corey was the auto body repair manager for the Newport Auto Center for many years retiring in 1989. He was also the former owner of T&C Auto Body in Newport. During his retirement years, he was a volunteer custodian for Friends Church and the Aquidneck Island Christian Academy. He was an active member of the Evangelical Friends Church, a longtime member of the Green Valley Country Club and Newport Knights of Columbus and a coach in the Newport Little League.
He is survived by his sons Charles J. Corey, Jr. of Mahopac, N.Y., Thomas Corey of Narragansett and James Corey of Newport, daughter Catherine Corey of Newport, daughter-in-law Karen Tobin Corey, six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Manuel Corey, Joseph Corey, Daniel Corey and Anthony Corey.
His funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 at Evangelical Friends Church, 70 Bliss Mine Road in Middletown. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Aquidneck Island Christian Academy, 70 Bliss Mine Road, Middletown, RI 02842.
John Ritter
John Thomas Ritter, Jr., 81, of 19 Chapel St. in Newport, formerly of Redding, Calif., died Wednesday, Nov. 7 at Heatherwood Nursing and Subacute Center in Newport. He was the husband of the late Naomi L. (Davidson) Ritter. Born in Carnegie, Pa., Jan. 26, 1920, he was the son of the late John T. and Margaret A. (Steuler) Ritter.
Mr. Ritter worked as an assistant innkeeper. He was a member of the VFW Connor Leary Post in Newport and the Redding Springs Post in Redding. He was an avid golfer and coin collector.
He is survived by his sons Thomas Ritter and Stephen Ritter, both of Redding, daughters Margaret A. Wells of Lisbon Falls, Maine and Leslie Braun of Redding, sister Irene Boyd of Carnegie, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Margaret Cox and Mina Brown.
His funeral was held in Redding. Donations in his memory may be made to the Newport Rescue Wagon Fund, 21 W. Marlborough St., Newport, RI 02840.
Isabel Smith
Isabel Alice (Roque) Smith, 91, of 74 Tuckerman Ave. in Middletown died Thursday, Nov. 8 at home. She was the wife of the late William A. Smith. Born in Newport May 3, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Helen (Medeiros) Roque.
Mrs. Smith worked for 17 years as a guide for the Newport Preservation Society of Newport at the Breakers and the Elms. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, an active volunteer for and member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Newport Hospital and a member of the Newport Garden Club and St. Mary’s Church. She was also active with the Girl Scouts of America as a troop leader.
She is survived by her son William A Smith, Jr. of Middletown, daughter Judy Peschel of Cape Neddick, Maine, brothers Joseph Roque and Manuel Roque, both of Middletown and four grandchildren.
Her funeral was held Nov. 13 at the Memorial Funeral Home in Newport with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church in Newport. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Grace Borges
Grace F. Borges, 97, of 1173 Green End Ave. in Middletown died Nov. 3. She was the wife of the late Julius J. Borges. Born in San Miguel Sept. 11, 1904, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Gloria Froias. Mrs. Borges had helped her husband in the operation of their farm, the Julius Borges & Son Farm on Green End Avenue, for more than 20 years. She was a member of Jesus Saviour Church. She is survived by her sons Julius J. Borges, Jr. and Manuel J. Borges and daughters Dorothy Pennachi and Beatrice Cambra, all of Middletown, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held Nov. 7. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery.
Thomas Brown
Thomas A. Brown, Capt. USN Ret., 89, of 634 Black Point Lane in Portsmouth died Oct. 31. He was the husband of Constance (Nelson) Brown. Born in Pardee, Va., Sept. 29, 1912, he was the son of the late Cleveland V. and Georgia M. Brown. Captain Brown was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., in 1931, graduated with the class of 1935 and spent two years as a junior officer on the Battleship USS Maryland. He transferred to the supply corps of the Navy in 1938 and did shore tours in Guam, Alaska, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and the Naval War College and Naval Supply Depot in Newport. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 and served aboard the USS Salt Lake City during several battles in the South Pacific. He was a graduate of the National War College and Stanford University. He retired from the Navy in 1964 to his home at Black Point Farm in Portsmouth, spent three years as a bank manager in Middletown and joined the Larry Nunes Gallery of Homes Real Estate Agency as assistant manager. He retired Jan. 1, 1978. Captain Brown was a member of Toastmasters International, Rotary Club of Newport, Naval Academy Alumni Association, GSBA Stanford Alumni Association, Board of Realtors, Retired Officers Association and was an incorporator of the Newport Hospital and the Savings Bank of Newport. He was a 32nd degree Mason, St. Paul’s Lodge No. 14, F&AM Newport. He is survived by sons Curtis L. Brown of Jacksonville, N.C., and Gregory M. Brown of Malcolm, Neb., daughter Leslie McFalls of Maysville, N.C., stepson Paul Nelson, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was previously married to Vertie Mae Runyon of Bremerton, Wash., and Carmel Boyd Brown of Brisbane, Australia, both now deceased. No funeral services were held.
Ann Marie Byrne
Ann Marie (Soares) Byrne, 84, of 6 Maitland Court in Newport died Nov. 5. She was the wife of the late A. Earl Byrne. Born in Newport Oct. 29, 1917, she was the daughter of the late David and Mary (Silvia) Soares. Mrs. Byrne was a member of St. Joseph’s Church. She was a former Cub Scout den leader and helped teach the neighborhood children to swim in front of Battery Park. She is survived by her sons John Earl Byrne of La Grange, Ill., and James P Byrne of Egan, Minn., sister Helen Bradley of Middletown and three grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Manuel and Francis Macedo, Jesse, John and David Soares, Joseph Schwarts, Mary McWeeney and Alice Parker. Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 9, in the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Ave., Newport. Burial will be private.
Norma Coen
Norma Coen, 74, of Coates Manor in Pawtucket, formerly of Middletown, died Nov. 3. Born in Newport Jan. 30, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah (Donnelly) Coen. She is survived by two nieces and two nephews. She was the sister of the late Virginia Coen Sullivan. Her funeral was held Nov. 7. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery.
Bernadette Coriander
Bernadette C. (Banks) Coriander, 71, of 11 Albro St. in Newport died Nov. 2. She was the wife of the late John Coriander. Born in Tiverton June 16, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin D. and Emma (Hawkins) Banks. Mrs. Coriander worked at General Electric and then at the St. Clare Home for 20 years. She is survived by her sons John J. Coriander and Kevin G. Coriander, both of Newport; daughters Dana L. McFann of Middletown, Laurel N. Coriander of Portsmouth, Rhonda M. Coriander of Newport and Bernadett T. Ibarra of Newport; brother Dennis Banks of Orlando, Fla.; sisters Rosetta Smith of Indianapolis, Ind., Emily Banks of Providence and Joan Monteiro of Norfolk, Va.; 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Benjamin Banks. Her funeral was held Nov. 6. Burial was in Newport Memorial Park.
Joseph Dowd
Joseph A. Dowd, 90, of 98 Third St. in Newport died Nov. 2. He was the husband of the late Mary Christine (Mason) Dowd. Born in Newport Oct. 21, 1911, he was the son of the late James Francis and Margaret Mary (Ward) Dowd. Mr. Dowd grew up in the Fifth Ward in Newport and went on to work for the Naval Torpedo Station for several years and later at various jobs for the Federal Civil Service. Upon retiring, he moved to Florida with his wife for the winters. After his retirement, there was nothing he enjoyed more than fixing things for his family, taking care of his grandchildren and fishing. He is survived by his brother Edward Ward Down of Warwick, granddaughter Michele Cowell of Newport, grandsons John Thomas Moore III of Swansea, Mass., and Stephen Joseph Moore of Newport and great-granddaughters Josie Christine Moore, Bella Marie Cowell and Kiana Kathleen Moore. He was the father of the late Michael Joseph Dowd and Kathleen Dowd. He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. His funeral was held Nov. 6. Burial was in Island Cemetery.
Celeste Feller
Celeste Katherine Feller, 91, of Forest Farm Health Care Center in Middletown died Nov. 1. She was the wife of the late Louis Feller, who died in 1992, and the late Manuel M. Mitchell, who died in 1973. Born April 27, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Brown) Silva. Mrs. Feller owned and operated Mitchell’s Variety Store in Common Fence Point with her former husband, Manuel Mitchell, from 1947 to 1967. She was president of the Forever Young Club of Portsmouth, a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and the Catholic Women’s Club and a volunteer at the Newport Hospital for five years. She was a member of the Portsmouth Senior Center. She is survived by her daughters Mary Settle of Middletown and Nancy Combra of Portsmouth, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late John E. Silva, Anebal Silva, Joseph Silva and John Silva. Her funeral was held Nov. 5. Burial was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Alvina Gaeta
Alvina R. (Stacharowski) Gaeta, 86, of 333 Green End Ave. in Middletown died Oct. 30. She was the wife of the late Anthony Gaeta. Born in Baltimore, Md., July 6, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Adam and Veronica Stacharowski. Mrs. Gaeta worked in the Baltimore City Hall as a financial clerk. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Dolores L. and C. Robert Flick of Middletown, brother Adam Stacharowski of Baltimore, Md., sister Terry Abrams of West Palm Gardens, Fla., grandson Mark Flick of Tiverton, granddaughters Deborah Kestler, Lydia Reynolds and Melissa Flick, all of Middletown, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Her funeral was held Nov. 1.
Christopher Gerrie
Christopher J. Gerrie, 36, of Portsmouth died Oct. 30. He was the husband of Kimberly (Santelia) Gerrie. Born in Waterville, Maine Dec. 22, 1964, he was the son of Andrea (Perry) Gerrie of Newport and Waterville, Maine and the late Dr. Marshall J. Gerrie, Jr. Mr. Gerrie worked for 23 years at the Clarke Cooke House in Newport. He was a member of Sigma Chi at the University of Rhode Island. He is survived by his wife, mother, sons Michael C. Gerrie and Christopher C. Gerrie, both of Portsmouth, daughter Emma M. Gerrie, grandparents Theodore and Winifred Perry of Waterville, Maine, grandmother Patricia Gerrie of Waterville, Maine and sisters Kimberly Joslyn of Bristol, Melisa Dugal of Sydney, Maine, Elizabeth Ponte of Newport and Mary Gerrie of Waterville, Maine. A memorial service was held Nov. 3. Burial was private.
Lydia Lopes
Lydia (Feijo) Lopes, 85, of 51 Middle Road in Portsmouth died Nov. 2. She was the wife of the late John J. Lopes. Born in Fall River, Mass., April 28, 1916, she was the daughter of Augustinho Feijo and Maria (Furtado) Feijo. Mrs. Lopes was a cook at St. Anthony’s Rectory from 1979-1996. She was previously a seamstress in Fall River. She was a former member of the Catholic Women’s Club. She was also a member and former officer in the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She is survived by her daughters Dolores Spencer of Portsmouth and Patricia Davis of Torrance, Calif., five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers Manuel and John Feijo and her sister Mary Medeiros. Her funeral was held Nov. 6. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery.
Erma Ostman
Erma W. Ostman, 85, of Washington Street in Newport died Oct. 29. She was the wife of the late Robert L. Ostman. Born in Ely, Minn., Feb. 22, 1916, she was the daughter of the late John and Maude (Londe) Paulos. Mrs. Ostman moved in California in the 1930s to work for Lockheed Aircraft. Shortly after marrying her husband, who was also from Minnesota, they trained as missionaries and ministered in Thailand under the auspices of the New Tribes Mission. After moving to Wisconsin, where she raised five children, she became an avid gardener. Several years after the premature death of her husband, she retired to Florida, where she became distinguished in her generous hospitality. In her later years, she moved to Newport and lived at the rectory of St. John the Evangelist on Washington Street, where she was known for her extended walks through the Point neighborhood. She is survived by her brother Lee Paulos of Portland, Ore., daughter Kathleen Gwyer of Tamatama, Venezuela, sons David Ostman of Paterson, N.J., the Rev. Canon Jonathan Ostman of Newport and Lance Ostman of Malaybalay, Mindanao, the Philippines, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Elaine Votaw. A Requiem Mass was held Nov. 1. Burial was private.
Doyle Roberts, Sr.
Doyle H. "Robbie" Roberts, Sr., 72, of 27 Bowery St. in Newport died Oct. 26. He was the husband of the late Anna Marie (Greco) Roberts. Born in McCarr, Ky., Sept. 17, 1929, he was the son of the late Ran Roberts and Maxine Hale. Mr. Roberts was a water plant operator for the City of Newport for 20 years, retiring in 1989. He was an avid gardener and sign painter. He is survived by his sons Doyle H. Roberts, Jr. and David Roberts, both of Newport, daughters Deborah Trudell of Middletown and Donna Roberts of Atlanta, Ga., sister Gladys Mills of Keysville, Va., and 10 grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Florence Pugla and the grandfather of the late Ryan Patrick Roberts.
William Schwarz
William T. Schwarz, Jr., 70, of 142 Wyndham Hill Road in Middletown died Nov. 1. He was the husband of Sandra (Keck) Schwarz. Born in Newport Feb. 10, 1931, he was the son of the late William T. and Emily (Martin) Schwarz. Mr. Schwarz was a service technician with AT&T from 1953 until 1986. He played the trumpet in the Newport Concert Band since its inception in 1955 until 1991. He was a 1948 graduate of Rogers High School and a member of the Telephone Pioneers, the St. John’s Masonic Lodge and an active member of the Calvary United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, son Kenneth William Schwarz of Middletown, daughter Laura Levesque of Little Compton, twin brother Charles Schwarz and sister Emily Barlow, both of Middletown. A memorial service was held Nov. 6. Burial was private.
Carol Terpening
Carol A. (Gemmel) Terpening, 55, of 10 Lincoln St. in Newport died Nov. 4. Born in Newport March 3,1946, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Mary (Amaral) Gonsalves. Mrs. Terpening was an avid bingo player. She is survived by her husband Donald R. Terpening, sons Donald Terpening Jr., of Coal Springs, Fla., and Dwayne Terpening and Daren Terpening, both of Newport, daughters Donna A. Battencourt of Hollywood, Fla., and Rebecca King of Tiverton, brother William Amaral of St. Petersburg, Fla., sister Joyce Gemmel of Newport and 13 grandchildren. Her funeral will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8 at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway in Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church on Broadway in Newport. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery.
Joseph Mendes
Joseph Marshall Mendes Jr., 77, of Old Pier Road in Portsmouth died Wednesday, Nov. 14 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, Mass. He was the husband of Faith (Angell) Mendes. Born in Tiverton Sept. 1, 1924, he was the son of the late Joseph M. Mendes and the late Agnes (Brown) Mendes.
Mr. Mendes, who had a love for flowers and gardening, owned and operated Bristol Ferry Flowers from 1971 to 1979. He was a veteran of World War II.
He is survived by his wife, daughters Carol Young of Berlin, Mass., and Sandra VanHof of Tiverton; brother David Mendes of Bristol; sisters Helen Mendes, Marianna Perry and Alice Silvia, all of Portsmouth; granddaughters Heather Young, Lori Young, Amy VanHof Crandall and Allison VanHof and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral was held Nov. 19 at Connors Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony’s Church. Burial was in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Wagon Fund, PO Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Manuel Patricio
Manuel "Manny" Patricio, 43, of Maidford River Road in Middletown died Tuesday, Nov. 13 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston after a long battle with acute leukemia. He was the husband of Maria Amelia (Miranda) Patricio. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, June 16, 1958, he was the son of Cesar Batista and Adelaide Duarte (Santos) Patricio of Portugal.
Mr. Patricio attended Francisco Arruda High School in Lisbon, where he belonged to the Portuguese Federation of Basketball and the Association of Lisbon Soccer. He served in the Portuguese Army for two years, graduating with high honors from the school of telecommunication. He worked for the Portuguese sports newspaper "A Bola" as a bookkeeper before coming to the United States in September 1985. Mr. Patricio was employed by the Newport Public Schools and was working at Rogers High School as a custodian. He was a parishioner of Jesus Saviour Church and a member of the Portuguese choir, the Vasco da Gama club and the New England Association for the Advancement of Portuguese Culture.
He is survived by his wife, parents, son Cesar Duarte Patricio of Middletown, daughter Jessica Marie Patricio of Middletown, brother Joao Duarte Santos of Lisbon and nephew Joao Paulo Santos of Lisbon.
His funeral was held Nov. 17 at Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Jesus Saviour Church. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.
Thomas Rosa
Thomas Furtado Rosa, 78, of Ward Avenue in Middletown died Saturday, Nov. 17 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Ann D. (Vieira) Rosa. Born in Middletown Aug. 11, 1923, he was the son of the late Thomas Furtado Rosa and the late Mary L. (Furtado) Rosa.
Mr. Rosa was a senior electronic technician with Naval Underwater Systems Center for 20 years, retiring in 1983. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Germany, and was a prisoner of war and received the Bronze Star. Mr. Rosa owned and operated Rosa’s Radio and Television Service in Middletown for 27 years. He was a member of the American POWs of WWII, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, the National Rifle Association and was a FCC-licensed HAM radio operator. He was a communicant of St. Lucy’s Church and enjoyed gardening.
He is survived by his wife, sons Thomas F. Rosa Jr. of East Taunton, Mass., and Kenneth Rosa of Portsmouth, brother Manuel Rosa of Providence, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
His funeral was to be held at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in St. Lucy’s Church, 909 West Main Road in Middletown. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842.
Irene Russell
Irene Russell, 85, of Bedlow Place in Newport died Wednesday, Nov. 14 at Newport Hospital. Born in Newport Feb. 18, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marguerita (Andrada) Russell.
Ms. Russell was a supervisor at the Civilian Personnel Office on the Navy base for 33 years, retiring in 1980. She volunteered at the St. Clare Home, the American Red Cross, the Meeting Street school, the Columban Fathers and the Jesus Saviour Church bazaar and penny socials. She was a past president of the Business Woman’s Professional Club. Ms. Russell was a member of the Newport Hospital Auxiliary, where she volunteered at the gift shop and the coffee shop. She was a communicant of Jesus Saviour Church. She supported the World Child Reach program, where she sponsored seminars on education and support. She was an avid duckpin bowler.
She is survived by her brother John Russell of Sacramento, Calif., and sisters Mary Nappi of Bristol, Emma Conner of Newport and Emily Pucko of Miami, Fla.
Her funeral was held Nov. 17 at Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Jesus Saviour Church. Burial was in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to the Jesus Saviour Building Fund, 509 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840 or to the St. Clare Home, 309 Spring St., Newport, RI 02840.
Theodore Holcomb
1924-2001
Theodore Holcomb, a noted documentary filmmaker, who was a resident of New York City and Newport, died Nov. 6 in Santa Barbara, Calif., after a short illness. He was best known for "Russia," his documentary feature with commentary by Harrison Salisbury, which was nominated for a Golden Globe award and cited as one of the best films in 1972. It was the first uncensored documentary about the Soviet Union.
The youngest of four children, Mr. Holcomb was born Nov. 19, 1924 in San Bernadino, Calif., into a pioneering family. His grandfather William Francis Holcomb discovered gold in the San Bernadino Mountains in the 1850s. His father (Grant) was a prominent lawyer and mayor of San Bernadino; his mother (Eleanor) died when he was two.
Called into service in 1942 while still an undergraduate at Stanford, Mr. Holcomb became a pilot in the Army Air Corps and served in the European Theater. He graduated from Stanford in 1947 and from Merton College, Oxford, in 1948. The Oxford experience made a lasting impression upon his intellectual and international interests. A sprained ankle ended his chance for a place on the 1948 U.S. Olympic ski team.
After living in Paris, Rome and Florence for about 10 years, he returned to California in the late 1950s to embark on a career in film and a life of extensive travel that produced documentaries which captured cultures still immersed in centuries-old ways of life. Seen today his "African Village," "Nepalese Village" and "Japanese Village" appear frozen in time. He also worked with Francis Thompson on his innovative large format triptych films, including "To Be Alive" which won an Oscar in 1965.
He was a traveling camera lens with a gift for recording what he saw and heard. He journeyed, often for months at a time, to remote corners of the world: Guatemala, Iran, Africa, Nepal, Burma, Japan, Russia. Traveling always with the minimum of personal comfort, he had a knack for gaining acceptance in remote places. Luggage, for him, was an inconvenience. His travels defined a good deal of his own journey of discovery and appreciation for the variety of life. It is nice that Newport was part of that itinerary.
An inveterate and athletic swimmer, Holcomb took to the waves wherever he went. He was often to be seen several hundred yards offshore at Second Beach. Once asked what he might consider the three ideal swims, he replied, "the moat at Ankor Wat, the Red River at Taos and Chichen Itza in Guatemala."
Simplicity was his style. Simplicity as form, as a guide to life, as a code of conduct. He did not require lavish hospitality or material possessions to feel extravagant. He felt everything you could want or enjoy was right around you, if only you knew how to see it.
Mr. Holcomb saw the best and knew it for the best. He was at home in the cultural worlds of London, Paris, Rome, Vienna and New York. At his table you might find a countess, a writer, a silent film star or a philanthropist. His minimalist dinners, remembered by all who attended them, were the essence of perfection. No effort was spared to find the best produce or to arrange the most tempting sequence of dishes.
A former National Senior Singles Croquet champion, Mr. Holcomb played an important role in the revival of croquet in Newport through his experience and his remarkable patience in mentoring beginning players. His doubles partners sometimes complained that he deliberately missed shots to keep weaker opponents in play. He established the National Croquet Gallery Hall of Fame and archives at the Newport Art Museum.
It was characteristic of Mr. Holcomb that he was re-reading Alexander Dumas in French when he died. He was a member of the Newport Reading Room and the Knickerbocker Club in New York.
He is survived by a brother and a sister as well as 13 nieces and nephews for whom he was a model of elegance and an example of a life well-lived.
