News Summary
The West Warwick community is in mourning following the recent passing of three beloved individuals: Alyssa Rose McGraw, Wendy (Schwarzer) Polak, and John J. Emma, Sr. Each left behind loving families and friends, and their contributions to the community will be cherished. Funeral services will take place in the coming days, offering an opportunity for people to pay their respects and celebrate their lives. The legacies of these individuals will continue to resonate within the hearts of those they touched.
West Warwick, RI – The community mourns the loss of three cherished individuals, Alyssa Rose McGraw, Wendy (Schwarzer) Polak, and John J. Emma, Sr., who passed away recently, leaving behind loving families and friends.
Alyssa Rose McGraw passed away on August 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. Calling hours for Alyssa will take place at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home in West Warwick on Sunday, September 7, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Her funeral service will be held the next day, September 8, at 10:30 AM at the same funeral home, followed by her burial at Glenwood Cemetery in East Greenwich. The community can view her full obituary online at carpenterjenks.com.
Wendy (Schwarzer) Polak, aged 72, unexpectedly passed away on August 22, 2025, at Roger Williams Medical Center. Born on March 30, 1953, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Audrey Schwarzer. Wendy leaves behind her devoted spouse Theodore “Ted” Polak, Sr., along with her children Heather (Jason) Weesner, Theodore (Tanya) Polak, Jr., and James (Mary Ellen) Polak. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Abby and Madelyn Weesner, Declan and Thea Polak, and Jack and Audrey Polak, as well as her brother David Schwarzer, sister Lisa (Schwarzer) Krell, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Jerry Schwarzer.
Throughout her career, Wendy dedicated herself to education and disability services, becoming known for her compassion, advocacy, and sense of humor. Funeral services for Wendy will be conducted at Robbins Funeral Home in North Providence on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM.
John J. Emma, Sr., who was 88 years old at the time of his passing on August 28, 2025, also died surrounded by family. He was married to Patricia A. (McGurn) Emma and was the father of John J. Emma, Jr. John was born in Providence, the son of the late John A. and Concetta (Croce) Emma. His career included work with Paramount Restaurant Supplies from 1960 to 1968 and significant involvement in the music scene, being part of the band “The Blue Jays” from 1957 until 1970, later renaming it to “White Water”. The band operated The Spectrum nightclub in Pawtucket from 1970 and later owned The Lighthouse Night Club in Old Orchard, Maine until 1994. John was a talented athlete excelling in baseball and football during his high school years and served in the Army, where he boxed and earned a boxing title.
Further extending his legacy, John’s band performed at significant events, including the wedding of the lead singer of Kool and the Gang, and recorded at RCA Recording Studio in California. He is remembered fondly by his siblings, Eleanor Golato and her husband Albert, along with the late Dorothy Rossetti. Visitation for John will occur on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home in Providence. His funeral will follow on Friday, September 5, starting at 9:30 AM, culminating with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in St. Anthony Church, North Providence, with a graveside burial at St. Francis Cemetery in Pawtucket.
Those wishing to honor John’s memory may do so through donations to Hope Health Hospice or the St. Anthony Memorial Fund.
As the community reflects on these recent losses, the shared memories and legacies of Alyssa, Wendy, and John will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts of those they touched throughout their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Alyssa Rose McGraw Obituary
- Wikipedia: Alyssa Rose McGraw
- Providence Journal: Wendy (Schwarzer) Polak Obituary
- Google Search: Wendy Schwarzer Polak
- New York Times: Judge Frank Caprio Dies
- Providence Journal: John J. Emma, Sr. Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John J. Emma
- Washington Post: Judge Frank Caprio Remembered
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frank Caprio
- Google Search: John J. Emma
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.
