News Summary
The Providence community is in mourning as they remember the lives of several beloved residents who recently passed away. Obituaries reflect the rich legacies of H. Allen Harrison, Robert Matthew Milani, Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, Leonard I. Mandell, and Gerard J. Collins, highlighting their deep connections to family and friends. Each individual’s story resonates with love and cherished memories, underscoring the shared impact they had within their community.
Providence, RI – The community is mourning the recent loss of several cherished residents, each leaving behind a legacy of love and memories. Obituaries highlight the lives of H. Allen Harrison, Robert Matthew Milani, Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, Leonard I. Mandell, and Gerard J. Collins, all of whom passed away in October 2025 or earlier and were deeply connected to their families and friends.
H. Allen Harrison, 84
H. Allen Harrison passed peacefully on August 10, 2025, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. He was the devoted husband of Linda Nichols Harrison for 64 years and worked for many years at the Harrison Chemical Company in North Providence. His burial was private. For more details, the full obituary can be found at monahandrabblesherman.com.
Robert Matthew Milani, 48
Robert Matthew Milani unexpectedly passed away on October 6, 2025. Known as a beloved husband to Erin C. (McIntyre) Milani, he was born in Boston, MA, and was the loving son of Carol (Donovan) Milani and the late Donato Milani. Milani was a cherished father to Ava, Logan, and Mackenzie, and also a caring brother to Donald Milani, Marianne Johnson with her husband Joel, and Joe Milani along with his wife Shannah. He was a proud uncle to several nieces and nephews. Full obituary and service details are available at www.PatrickQuinnFuneralsandCremations.com.
Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum, 92
Morrisa “Rissy” Basseches Zwetchkenbaum died on October 8, 2025, just one day before her 70th wedding anniversary. She passed at her home in Wingate Residence and had resided in Providence for over 50 years, originally hailing from Warwick. Born on August 26, 1933, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of Dr. Charles and Rose (Yeager) Basseches and was educated at Mount Vernon Seminary and Wheaton College. Morris married Joseph Zwetchkenbaum in 1955 and was a devoted mother to Rebecca Z Segal, Marc Zwetchkenbaum, Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum, and Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum. As a loving grandmother and great-grandmother as well as an avid golfer and enthusiastic walker, her funeral service is scheduled for October 10, 2025, at Temple Beth-El in Providence, followed by burial at Swan Point Cemetery. Donations can be made to The Miriam Hospital Foundation or Temple Beth-El.
Leonard I. Mandell, 94
Leonard I. Mandell passed away on September 18, 2025, at his home in Palm Beach Gardens. He was the late husband of Sarah R. (Lovitt) Mandell, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Born in Providence, Mandell was a veteran, mason, and jewelry manufacturer. He is survived by his daughter Jane Mandell and grandchildren Evan Wallick, Rebecca Sady, and Joshua Sady, and he was predeceased by his wife, parents, siblings, and daughter Lynn Mandell Sady. His services were held at Lincoln Park Cemetery in Warwick, RI. For online condolences and donation information, visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com.
Gerard J. Collins, 65
Gerard J. Collins passed away on October 5, 2025. He is remembered as a beloved brother to Michael Collins and Denise Lopardo. His full obituary is available at maceroni.com.
Community Impact
As families and friends gather to remember their loved ones, the residents of Providence reflect on the lasting impact these individuals had on their lives. Each obituary represents a unique story, a life lived, and a connection that will not be forgotten.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourns the Loss of Nancy Lawrence Alves
Remembering Russell ‘Russ’ Hopson
John E. Dodge, Community Pillar, Passes Away
Beloved Community Volunteer Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum Passes Away
Remembering Morrisa ‘Rissy’ Zwetchkenbaum: A Legacy of Love
Remembering Leonard and Rhea Mandell: A Legacy of Love and Service
North Providence Mourns the Loss of Beloved Residents
Remembering Mary L. Mattos: A Life of Compassion
Community Mourns the Passing of Three Local Residents
Community in Mourning for Local Business Leaders
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: H. Allen Harrison
- Google Search: H. Allen Harrison obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum
- Wikipedia: Morrisa Zwetchkenbaum
- Providence Journal: Leonard I. Mandell
- Google News: Leonard I. Mandell obituary
- Providence Journal: Gerard J. Collins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gerard J. Collins
- Providence Journal: Robert Matthew Milani
- Google Scholar: Robert Matthew Milani
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.
