News Summary
East Providence is mourning the loss of two cherished community figures, Joan P. Fien and Avelino J. Rose, known for their dedication to family and community service. Fien, who passed away at 96, is celebrated for her warmth and love, while Rose, a World War II veteran at 101, is remembered for his contributions to his community and storied military service. Their legacies reflect the deep-rooted values of family and service that resonate within Rhode Island.
East Providence, Rhode Island – Two beloved residents of Rhode Island, Joan P. (Keenan) Fien and Avelino J. Rose (Chappy), have passed away, leaving a legacy of family love and extensive community service. Fien passed away at the age of 96 on October 3, 2025, due to a brief illness, while Rose, at the age of 101, passed away on September 20, 2025.
Joan P. Fien, a longtime Rumford resident, will be remembered for her warmth, grace, humor, and an unwavering love for her family. She is survived by her three children: Jeannette Hudson, John Fien (Marjie), and Ginnie Dunleavy (Ron), as well as her grandchildren and great-granddaughters. Fien and her late husband, John “Jack” Fien, shared 60 years of a cherished life together. The family has planned a celebration of her life scheduled for October 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Garden Reception Room at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, with burial to follow in a private ceremony.
Avelino J. Rose, affectionately known as Chappy, was a historic figure in the East Providence community. As a first-generation Cape Verdean-American and World War II veteran, he made significant contributions to both his community and the military. Rose served as a Corporal in the 1883rd Company A Aviation Engineers during the war, where he was awarded the Purple Heart, the WW II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Battle Star. He also held the notable positions of being the first Black/Cape Verdean Processing Sheriff and Waterfront Superintendent for John J. Orr & Sons in Rhode Island. Rose is survived by his five children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his beloved partner, Valorie Hopes.
The funeral for Rose will take place on September 26, 2025, with viewing hours on September 25 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Loreto Church in East Providence, followed by burial at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rhode Island Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial Project.
Eleanor T. Perdue, another notable community member, passed away earlier this year on May 1, 2025. A devout Catholic and long-time parishioner of St. Margaret’s Church in Rumford, she left behind her four children and three grandchildren. Perdue worked for many years in the Controller’s Office for the City of East Providence and was involved in numerous local organizations. Her services included a visitation on May 5, 2025, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on May 6, 2025, at St. Margaret Church.
The legacies of these three individuals serve as a testament to the values of community service and family connection that resonate deeply within Rhode Island. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on their families and communities, demonstrating the importance of love, dedication, and service throughout their lives.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Jean Giorgio Obituary
- Providence Journal: Joseph Hanley Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Eleanor T. Perdue Obituary
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: Brittany Chaves Obituary
- Google Search: Rhode Island Obituaries
- Dyer-Lake Funeral Home: Joseph Hanley Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: Additional Obituary
- Google News: Rhode Island Community News
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.
