News Summary
The Providence community is grieving the loss of several important local figures, including Justin Kulas, Damion Jackson, Jerrold L. Lavine, Richard ‘Dickie’ Autiello, and Dan Mechnig. These individuals made substantial contributions to their families and the broader community, and their passing has left a significant void. Memorial services are planned to honor their legacies and provide a space for family and friends to pay their respects.
Providence, Rhode Island – The community is in mourning following the recent losses of several cherished local business leaders and family pillars. Among those remembered are Justin Kulas, Damion Jackson, Jerrold L. Lavine, Richard “Dickie” Autiello, and Dan Mechnig, all of whom left significant impacts on the lives of those around them.
Justin Kulas, 43
Justin Kulas passed away on October 2, 2025. He was the beloved son of Donna (Scaramuzzi) Kulas and the late Stephen J. Kulas, and the brother of the late Erich Kulas. His legacy includes a strong family connection, as he is also the grandson of Francesco Scaramuzzi and Josephine Kulas, and the late Walter Kulas. Family and friends can pay their respects during visitation on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Pontarelli-Marino Home, located at 971 Branch Avenue in Providence. Following the visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am at St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, with burial at St. Ann Cemetery. An obituary is available online at www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com.
Damion Jackson
Damion Jackson’s life ended unexpectedly; his death details have not been disclosed. Born in Providence, he was the son of Sharon (Coriander) Jackson and the late Howard Jackson. He was known for his devotion to family, being the father of Jaelynn Jackson and the spouse of the late Jennifer (Choquette) Jackson. He is also remembered for his close relationship with his brother, the late Kimberly (Jackson) Sabitoni, as well as with his nephew Joseph Mazzone and niece Ariana (Mazzone) Grist. Damion had a passion for sports, particularly the Boston Celtics, and cherished moments spent with family. A calling hour is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home, with funeral services following at 10:30 am. The burial of his ashes will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.
Jerrold L. Lavine, 85
Jerrold L. Lavine, affectionately known as Jerry, passed away surrounded by family. A lifelong Rhode Island resident, Jerry was educated at Boston University and built a notable career as an entrepreneur, serving as Chairman & CEO of The Freeman Group, Ltd., and leading Globe Distribution. He also contributed to civic life, serving as Director of Administration to Governor Bruce Sundlun and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Roger Williams University, where he received an Honorary Doctor of Business Management in 2009. He was deeply involved with Temple Emanu-El and various healthcare initiatives. Jerry is survived by his wife Barbara, their four children, and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00 am at Temple Emanu-El, with burial following at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA.
Richard “Dickie” Autiello, 87
Richard “Dickie” Autiello passed away on October 2, 2025, at the age of 87. A fixture in Providence, he was known for his long-standing business with Four A’s Enterprises. Dickie was born on September 19, 1938, to Antonio and Antonietta (Calvino) Autiello and is survived by his sons Edward, Nicholas, and Robert, along with his wife Carolyn, whom he married in 1961. Visitation for Dickie is scheduled for October 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 237 Garden Hills Drive in Cranston. Due to family requests, burial will be private and donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Dan Mechnig, 78
Dan Mechnig passed away unexpectedly on June 20, 2025, at the age of 78. He was the beloved husband of Kathy Mechnig for 52 years and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Born on August 17, 1946, in Providence, he dedicated over 50 years to Meckandil Tool, the family business. Known as the “Mayor of Laurel Avenue” for his community involvement, Dan was an active member of All Saints’ Memorial Church for 50 years and participated in various charitable organizations. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 28, with burial to follow privately. Contributions can be made to All Saints’ Memorial Church in his memory.
The collective loss of these individuals highlights the significant contributions they made to the Providence community and the indelible marks they left on the lives they touched.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cranston Community Mourns the Loss of Cheryl A. Saccoccia Stabile
Vigil Held for Pedestrian Struck by School Bus in Providence
Uncertainty Surrounds Redevelopment of Superman Building in Providence
Tragic Pedestrian Accident in Providence
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Matriarchs Clara Migliaccio and Norma Rodi
East Providence Bids Farewell to Retired K9 Chiko
Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Bridgewater Man
Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Young Life in Providence
Vero Beach Remembers a True Family Golfer and Community Leader
Remembering Dorothy E. Scott: A Legacy of Love and Community
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Damion Jackson
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Providence Journal: Justin Kulas
- Google Search: Justin Kulas obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Richard Autiello
- Google Scholar: Richard Autiello
- Dignity Memorial: John Emma
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Emma
- Providence Journal: Jerrold L. Lavine
- Google News: Jerrold L. Lavine
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.
