News Summary
The Rhode Island community is in mourning as three residents, Max Burton Dressler, Enrica O. Marciano, and John J. Emma, Sr., have recently passed away. Their lives touched many, and they are remembered for their contributions to family and friends. Ceremonies for each individual will honor their legacies and the cherished memories they leave behind.
Providence, RI
Three Rhode Island residents, Max Burton Dressler, Enrica O. Marciano, and John J. Emma, Sr., have recently passed away, leaving behind cherished memories and grieving family members. Their lives touched many, highlighting the legacy they built during their time with friends and family.
Max Burton Dressler, 93, died on September 4, 2025, at Atria Lincoln Place in Lincoln, RI. He was married to the late Rona Mae (Snyder) Dressler for sixty-two years. A lifelong Rhode Island native, Dressler was born in Providence, the son of the late Hyman and Esther (Zuckerman) Dressler. He lived in Warwick for many years, spent two decades in Florida, and returned to Rhode Island in November 2024.
Dressler was a proud graduate of Pawtucket West High School in 1951 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Rhode Island in 1955. He had a passion for New England sports, enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and cherished moments spent with his grandchildren. He is survived by three children: Chuck Dressler and his wife Melissa, Beth Dressler, and Jodi Fownes and her husband Ian, along with five grandchildren. Dressler was predeceased by five siblings and their spouses. His funeral service is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel in Providence, with burial to follow at Lincoln Park Cemetery in Warwick. Shiva will be observed immediately thereafter at the Fownes residence in Cumberland until 8 PM. In his memory, contributions may be made to HopeHealth Hospice Care.
Enrica O. (Cerruti) Marciano, 99, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025. She was married to the late Joseph A. Marciano for fifty-one years. Born in Varazze, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Christopher and Catherine (Dafieno) Cerruti. An avid beachgoer, Marciano spent six months a year in Italy for forty years. She had residences in Providence and Narragansett and was well-loved in Bonnet Shores.
A devoted mother, she is survived by her son Henry Marciano and his wife Carol, as well as her cherished grandchildren Christopher, Laura, and Joseph, along with three great-grandchildren. She was also the sister of the late Giovanni B. Cerruti. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on September 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Saint Pius Church, Providence, while burial will be private. Contributions in her memory can be directed to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
John J. Emma, Sr., 88, also passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, surrounded by family. He was married to Patricia A. (McGurn) Emma and was a devoted father to John J. Emma, Jr. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late John A. and Concetta (Croce) Emma. Emma was employed at Paramount Restaurant Supplies from 1960 to 1968 and had a notable career as a musician with the band “The Blue Jays” from 1957 to 1970, which later changed its name to “White Water” from 1971 to 1976.
The band was well-known for performing at various local venues and recording an album in California in 1971. Emma also enjoyed athletic pursuits, having made All State in baseball and excelling in football during high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army, achieving a boxing title for his unit. A visitation will be held on September 4, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM, with a funeral taking place the following day at St. Anthony Church, followed by burial at St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket. Donations in his memory can be made to Hope Health Hospice or the St. Anthony Memorial Fund.
The passing of these three residents marks a significant loss to their families and the communities in which they lived. Their contributions to family, friends, and the Rhode Island community will be remembered fondly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Renovation Project at Wanskuck Boys & Girls Club
Providence Community Expresses Grief for Beloved Residents
Rhode Island Faces Rising Concern Over Synthetic Opioids
Correctional Officers Exposed to Fentanyl in Rhode Island
Community Mourns Loss of Cherished Narragansett Residents
First Detection of West Nile Virus in East Providence
New Wrong-Way Detection System to Enhance Highway Safety
Providence Man Sentenced for Distributing Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills
Cranston Announces Early Opening of Splash Pad Amid Heatwave
Rhode Island Opens First State-Sanctioned Overdose Prevention Center
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Enrica Marciano
- Google Search: Recent Obituaries Rhode Island
- Dignity Memorial: John J. Emma, Sr.
- Google Scholar: Legacy of the Deceased
- Dignity Memorial: David Mullen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Impact of Obituaries
- Dignity Memorial: Demetrio Ramos
- Google News: Rhode Island Obituaries
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
