News Summary
The Rhode Island community comes together to honor the lives of several residents who recently passed away, including educators and cherished family members. Tributes and funeral services have been scheduled, allowing loved ones to pay their respects and support grieving families. Contributions to charities in memory of the deceased are encouraged, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance within the community.
Rhode Island – Tributes and funeral services have been announced for several residents of Rhode Island who recently passed away. The community is coming together to honor their lives and legacies, offering support to grieving families during this difficult time.
Joseph Simeone, a dedicated educator from Johnston, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 83. His funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, September 11, 2025. Simeone, remembered fondly by family and friends, was a beloved husband to Elaine (Fusco) Simeone and a loving father to David and Gina Simeone. A graduate of Providence College, he earned a Master’s Degree in History from Rhode Island College. During his career, Joseph served as the Principal of Stephen Olney Elementary School and previously held the position of Athletic Director at North Providence High School. An avid golfer and fisherman, he was known for his kindness, humor, and strong family values.
The visitation for Joseph will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on September 11, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory in Cranston. His burial will be private. In honor of his memory, contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The community is encouraged to partake in this act of remembrance as they celebrate the lasting impact he had on those around him.
Another life being remembered is that of Deirdre J. Lavallee, 63, of North Providence, who passed away on September 9, 2025. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory through a full obituary available at www.boyleandsonfunerals.com, detailing her life and contributions to the community.
Furthermore, Suzanne, a devoted mother and grandmother, has had her funeral Mass scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025, at St. Anthony Church in North Providence. She was cherished by her family, including her children Denise, William (and his wife Donna), and David DeSantis, as well as her grandchildren Janene, Austin, and Emily. The funeral services will provide an opportunity for loved ones to gather and pay their respects. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice in her honor, ensuring her spirit of giving continues to inspire others.
Rita J. Santoro, 86, also recently passed away on May 15, 2025, at her home in Smithfield, where she was surrounded by family. Rita was the widow of the late William H. Santoro and is survived by her children Susan Bennett, William H. Santoro Jr., and Lisa Gomes. Visitation for Rita is set for Sunday, with her funeral taking place the following Monday. A Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church in Smithfield. As a gesture of sympathy, the family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to a charity or organization of choice, such as St. Michael’s Food Closet, allowing her legacy of compassion to continue to feed those in need.
These services not only serve as a way to commemorate the lives of these individuals but also strengthen community ties as individuals come together in times of mourning and reflection. The tributes for these residents reflect their significant roles within their families and the wider Rhode Island community.
As the community continues to come to terms with these losses, the shared memories and stories will ensure that their spirits remain alive in the hearts of all who knew them.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mourning Three Beloved Residents
Community Mourns Loss of Three Beloved Residents
Providence Community Expresses Grief for Beloved Residents
Providence Plans Festive Independence Day Celebration
Additional Resources
- Legacy: Joseph Cicerchia Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Nardolillo Funeral Home: Joseph Simeone
- Google Search: Joseph Simeone obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Suzanne DeSantis
- Google Scholar: Suzanne DeSantis obituary
- Valley Breeze: Gail A. Harrison Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Death and Obituaries
- Providence Journal: Obituaries
- Google News: Rhode Island Obituaries
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.
