PORTSMOUTH — B. Eileen (O’Brien) Gleeson, 88, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Nov. 23, 1924, in Fall River, Mass., to the late James L. and Lena (Clark) O.Brien, she was the wife of George “Bill” Gleeson for over 62 years.

Mrs. Gleeson was a registered nurse for over 40 years. She graduated from nursing school in 1942 and retired as the clinical director at the Charlton Hospital in 1983. After she retired from nursing, she obtained her master’s degree in health services administration from the Salve Regina University and became an assistant professor there. She was a member of the delegation of Health Services Administrators who were invited to study the Health Delivery System in China. Eileen was very active civically as well. She held numerous posts in her lifetime including, Commissioner of the R.I. Commission on Judicial Discipline and Tenure, chairwoman of the Portsmouth Republican Town Committee, member of the R.I. Republican State Central Committee, vice president of the Portsmouth Garden Club, chairwoman of the Civic Beautification for the Portsmouth Garden Club, treasurer of the Portsmouth Historical Society, member of the Glen Manor House Authority, member of the Portsmouth Free Public Library Association, member of Rotary International, the Portsmouth Club Community Service Director, and a member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Cheryle Minyo and her husband John of Portsmouth; her daughter, Priscilla Lipe and her husband James of Tiverton; her son, William Gleeson and his wife Wendy of Portsmouth; eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, James E. O’Brien.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 9 a.m. from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will follow in the Portsmouth Cemetery, Turnpike Avenue, Portsmouth.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 15, 2012, from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial donations in her memory can be made to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or to the Portsmouth Volunteer Rescue Wagon Fund, P.O. Box 806, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Condolences, directions and additional information available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.

Suzan Barbara (Jennings) Cruanes of Touisset Point, Warren, R.I. and Point O’ Woods Beach, South Lyme, Conn., passed away at home on Sunday, April 14, 2013. She was the wife of Fernando “Fred” Cruanes, her husband of 62 years.

Born in New Britain, Conn., the daughter of the late Joseph William Jennings and Anna (Wysocki) Horanzy and the step-daughter of the late John “Jas” Horanzy, she graduated from New Britain High School and was employed at Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford. But she is best remembered as the owner of Suzanne’s Figure Salon in New Britain.

She enjoyed the beach and family celebrations, especially hosting the family’s annual Labor Day festivities at Point O’ Woods.  She loved to fish, especially in the fall. Suzan had a special connection with animals and could play a game of Scrabble with Fred for days. She enjoyed antiquing with her daughter.

Besides her husband, she leaves her daughter, Suzanne and her husband, Dr. Edgardo Rodriguez and their twin sons, Forest and Hunter, of Bristol, R.I.; her son, Richard and his wife Karen of Berlin, Conn.; their children, Kari Buck and husband Michael of Glastonbury, Conn., and Eric Cruanes of Berlin. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Jennings.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 19, from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol, with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol. Burial will be private. Visitation is Friday morning only from 9 to 10 a.m.

Contributions in Suzan’s memory may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol, RI  02809. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go towww.sansonefuneralhome.com.

Julio James Troiano, 87, of Greylock Road in Bristol, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at the Warren Skilled Nursing Center.

Born in Bristol, he was the son of the late Domenic and Mary (Cavalieri) Troiano.

He was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School and was employed as a waiter at various restaurants in the area, including the Old Canteen Restaurant, Castle Restaurant and Country Inn.

Mr. Troiano was the father of Donna Znamirowski; grandfather of Melissa Siembab and Thaddeus Znamirowski; great-grandfather of Jaden and Gavin Siembab; and the brother of William Troiano, Priscilla Principe and the late Mary Troiano.

A graveside service was held Thursday, April 11 in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol. Arrangements were by the George Lima Funeral Home. See www.limafh.com.

Deja Vu, aka Cheryl (Wilkes) Allison, 66, died peacefully from a sudden illness on March 28, 2013.

Born in Fall River, Mass. in 1947, Deja was a resident of Portsmouth, RI for over 50 years before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio in 2009. She is survived by her husband, Michael Allison, and her two daughters, Christina Lantz of Portsmouth, RI and April Allen of Milford, Ohio.

Her compassion and love for all life infiltrated her every endeavor, from her career as a social worker to her work as a freelance photographer. In the 1990s, she became the costar of a successful local cable TV show in New York City. Remembered for her beautiful sense of humor, Deja was also a lover of the arts and spent her life drawing, singing and enjoying life to fullest of her abilities. A memorial service will be privately held at a later date.

Donations in Deja’s memory may be made to: Mercy Health Foundation, PO Box 428553, Cincinnati, OH 45242-8553.

Henriette “Henri” (Lajoie) von Trapp, age 85, of Adamsville, RI, passed away on April 13, 2013, after a brief illness. She was born in Fall River,  the third daughter of the late J. Edward and Cecile (Laurent) Lajoie.  

In 1947 she married Dr. Rupert von Trapp and they settled in Adamsville, to serve the community and raise a family.  In 1949, Henriette was afflicted with polio.  Despite severe paralysis and two children to care for, she bore four more children and ran a bustling household.  At the age of 50, she began working at the Newport Naval Base, a job she enjoyed until her retirement at the age of 70. She lived for her family and friends and “the most beautiful beach in the world,” Elephant Rock.

She leaves her sons George and wife Patricia of Waterbury Center, Vt., Christopher and wife Kelly Sweeney of Waltham, Vt., her daughters Monique and husband James Saflund of Cranston, RI, Elizabeth and husband Vern Walker of Fairfield,Va., Stephanie and husband Peter Derbyshire of Adamsville, and Francoise von Trapp and partner Stephen Rayle of Phoenix, Az., 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brother James Lajoie and wife Jane of Salem, MA and her sisters Anne Marie and husband Joseph Ripanti of Swansea, MA, Marie Claire  Cote of Montreal, PQ, Gabrielle McBride of Albuquerque, NM, Elizabeth  Lajoie of Essex, Conn., and Francoise Brunette of San Raphael, Calif., and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her, brothers Henri and Laurent, sisters Marguerite Brais, Therese Collette, Bernadette and her grandson Marc.

Mrs. von Trapp’s funeral will be Saturday, April 20,  at 9:45 a.m. from the Boule Funeral Home, 615 Broadway, Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Rd Westport. Interment will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Flowers are welcome or memorial gifts may be made to Rhode Island Infantile Paralysis Foundation (Post-Polio Foundation) c/o Mark McGovern 95 Crosswynds Dr., Saunderstown, RI 02874 Online guestbook available at www.boulefuneralhome.com

Sarah (Sally) Freeman, formerly of Bristol, passed away in her sleep on April 9th, at her home in Green Valley, Arizona. She was born February 15, 1929 in Jamaica, NY and was the daughter of Alice Cole and Russell Shaffer. Sally married Arthur D. Freeman on June 21, 1952, and was married until his death on April 25, 1994.

Her focus in life was caring for others, especially her family. An outspoken advocate for her disabled son’s welfare, she made great strides in the area of mental health on his behalf and the lives of many others. Personal interests included tennis, tai chi, dancing, spiritual study groups, singing in various choirs, and she loved movies.

She is survived by daughters: Martha Freeman, Boulder, Col., Judith Freeman, Arlington, Vir., and Priscilla Freeman, Santa Fe, N.M.; four grandchildren Benjamin Saffell and Reed Gibbons, of Boulder, Col., Kyle Freeman of Portland, Ore., and Lucia Richardson of Santa Fe, NM; a sister Susan Miller and brothers Donald Shaffer and Russell Shaffer.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Arthur Davis Freeman, Jr. in 2011.

A memorial service will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:  Looking Upwards, P.O. Box 4289, Middletown, RI 02842

George W. Sousa, 88, died April 8, 2013 at Silver Creek Manor. He was the husband of Madelyn (Usher) Sousa.

Born in Bristol, a son of the late Antone and Mary (Morena) Sousa, he was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Sousa was a US Navy Veteran and served during World War II as a radioman 3rd class. He was employed by the US Postal Service until his retirement and was a member of St. Michaels Church in Bristol.

Surviving, a brother Harold A. Sousa of Bristol, and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Joseph Sousa and Emily Cabral.

His private funeral service was held at St. Michaels Church, Bristol. Arrangements were in the care of Smith Funeral and Memorial Services 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI.

Mrs. Cecelia C. (Smus) Troiano, age 95 of Hope Street, Bristol, died peacefully on Monday, April 15, 2013 at Oak Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Pawtucket. Cecelia was the wife of the late Matthew S. Troiano, the couple met on a blind date and were happily married for 64 years.

She was born April 6, 1918 in Warren, to the late Andrew and Petronella (Jusczak) Smus.

A resident of Bristol most of her life she was a long time communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Bristol.  She is survived by her three children, Ronelle (Troiano) Meunier and her husband, Hubert of Holden, Mass., Matthew J. Troiano and his wife, Diane of Pawtucket and Christian Troiano and his wife, Katherine of Cumberland.

Cecelia was the beloved grandmother of Joel Meunier and his wife, Suzanne, Jill (Meunier) Perkins and her husband, Dana, Matthew, Jonathan, Aaron and Michael Troiano and blessed with great grandchildren, Trevor and Noelle Meunier, Elena, Alex, Lily and Emily Perkins and Mason and Alex Troiano.

As well as a loving and devoted wife and mother, was a consummate cook and pastry maker, a talented seamstress and an avid reader.  She delighted most in her family and took great joy in their company.  She was greatly loved by all and they will miss her dearly.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Ben, Jack, Bolek and Henry Smus and three sisters, Lena Smus, Mary Waligowski and Petronella Gabarra.

Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol.  Visitation will be Tuesday morning only at 10 a.m.  For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.

Manuel C. Faria, 72, of Three Truman Court, passed away Tuesday, April 16th surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Maria Fernanda “Fran” Faria, his wife of 49 years.

Born is Sao Miguel, the Acores, he was the son of the late Jose and Conceicao (Cordeiro) Faria.  Manny worked for Pearson Yachts for more than 30 years and retired from Alden Yachts in 2003.  He was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Church and an active and devoted member of the Holy Ghost Committee until his illness.

In addition to his wife, he leaves two daughters, Sandra Faria and her husband Michael Noah of Portsmouth and Julie Wilcox and her husband Robert of Bristol; three grandchildren Michael Noah, Jr., Katelyn Noah and Sarah Wilcox. He was the brother of the late David Faria.

His funeral services will be held Saturday, April 20th, 10 a.m. from the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High St. with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church 577 Wood St. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours are Friday, April 19th from 5 – 8 PM. www.limafh.com

Moira (Mallinson) D’Aquanno, of Beaver Court, Riverside, died peacefully on April 21, 2013. She was the wife of the late Eugene J. D’Aquanno.

Born in Manchester, England, a daughter of the late Leonard and Lillian (Taylor) Mallinson, she lived in Riverside for 57 years. Mrs. D’Aquanno was a communicant of St. Brendan Church. She was an original member of the “The English Club.”

She is survived by three daughters; Jacqueline M. Russotto of Fall River, Lisa G. Connors and her husband Joseph Connors of Riverside and Jeanne D. Murphy and her husband Dr. Alan Murphy of Duxbury, Mass., two grandchildren; Taylor J. Murphy and Rev. Ryan W. Connors.  She was the sister of the late Leonard Mallinson.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, April 25, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside, at 9:15 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martha’s Church, Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, April 24, from 5-8 p.m.

Daniel P. Costa, 88, of Fales Road passed away on Saturday, April 13th at home. He was father of Jane Machado and the companion of Alyce Kulpa. Born in Bristol, he was the son of the late Antonio and Maria (Medeiros) Costa.

Daniel was a 1943 graduate of Colt Memorial High School and served in the Marine Corps during WWII. He was a supervisor for Carr-Fulflex where he worked for 41 years before retiring. He was a member of the Don Luiz Filipe Association.

Daniel is survived by his daughter Jane and her husband Kenneth Machado; grandchildren Kenneth Machado, Jr. and his fiancée Meaghan Andrade and Ryan Machado; great grandson Andrew Machado and brother Norbert Costa. He was the brother of the late Joseph Costa.

His funeral services were held April 17th from the George Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Richard Narciso at St. Elizabeth Church. Liturgical readings were by Terri Ferreira, Kathy Pizzi and the Prayer of the Faithful was read by Meaghan Andrade. The offertory gifts were presented by Kenneth Machado and Ryan Machado.

Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Kenneth Machado, Ryan Machado, Cory Cadille, Manny Canario, Cory Carpenter and Ryan Carpenter.

Memorial donations may be made to Bristol Rescue Squad P. O. Box 775 Bristol, RI  02809. www.limafh.com

Arthur D. Howell Jr. of Portsmouth passed away Friday, April 5, 2013, in the Grand Islander Health Care Center.

He was the husband of Carolyn B. (Perkins) Howell.

Born in Fall River, Mass., he was the son of the late Arthur D. and Jenny (Coggeshall) Howell. As a child, he grew up on the Glen Farm Estate and has been involved with its preservation. When younger he enjoyed sailing on his boat Surprise.

Arthur worked as a quality control supervisor for Raytheon for many years. He was a very active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. He enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV around the country. Arthur was a member of the Seaside Sam Club of Newport County and the Good Sam International RV Club.

Besides his wife of 41 years, he leaves a sister, Nan Waters of Tiverton, and several nieces and nephews.

His memorial services will be held later this summer in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Private burial services were held in the family’s lot in St. Mary’s Churchyard.

Donations in his memory may be made to Robert Potter League for Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840.

For information go to www.memorialfuneralhome.com.

Joseph R. George, Jr., 84 of Bristol, professor emeritus of history at Villanova University, died April 17th at Silver Creek Manor. The son of the late Joseph R. and Rose (Sousa) George, he was predeceased by six sisters: Mary Brinza, Rose Bento, Clara Vierra, and Margaret Belmore all of Bristol; Minnie Hughes of East Providence and Anna Colliton of Vernon, Connecticut and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral services were held April 22nd; from the George Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Barry Gamache at St. Mary’s Church.  Liturgical readings were by Mark Merritt and Carol Glanville who also read the Prayer of the Faithful.  The offertory gifts were presented by Mary Cournoyer, Barbara Thornlimb and Rosemary Merritt.  The eulogy was given by Geoffrey Avila. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers were Joseph Brinza, Steven Merritt, Kevin Merritt, Geoffrey Avila, Mark Merritt and Peter Bento. Memorial donations may be made to: Mary Brinza Fund, Newport Hospital, 11 Friendship St. Newport RI 02840. www.limafh.com

John Alexander, 88, of Bristol, formerly of Barrington, died Saturday, at Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center. He was the beloved husband of Sarah (Cameron) Alexander, loving father of John C. Alexander of North Kingstown, Peter E. A. Alexander (Blair) of Middletown, James D. Alexander (Kathleen) of Barrington and Molly Alexander Oldham of Florida. Loving grandfather of six; Ben, Morgan, Samantha, Macy, Shelby and Digby, and beloved brother of the late Kathleen Neff.

He is a veteran of five European campaigns in WWII. He had worked for Oneida Silversmiths and The Gorham Company.

Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd, Warren where family will receive friends Wednesday, April 24, from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. Funeral service to begin at 7 p.m. Burial with full Military Honors will be at the RI Veterans Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

Mrs. Matilda F. (Holanetz) Perroni, 96, of Ocean View Road, Bristol, died Wednesday, April 17, in RI Hospital, Providence.  She was the wife of the late Pasquale J. “Pat” Perroni.  Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late William and Matilda (Mancini) Holanetz.

She worked as a Registered Nurse for VNA in Providence for many years. Matilda was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Bristol. She was a graduate of Saint Xavier Academy, and graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1936, received a certificate in physical therapy from Harvard Medical School in 1944, Bachelor of Science from Simmons College in 1954, and a Master of Science from the School of Nursing at Boston University in 1960.

Matilda is survived by her nephew, Dr. Joseph R. Perroni and his wife, Mary Alice, five great nieces and nephews and thirteen great great nieces and nephews.

Services and burial were private. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI 02809 or VNARI 475 Kilvert Street, Warwick, RI 02886 or online at www.vnari.org.

For condolences or shared memories go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.

Lois McLaughlin, 76, formerly of Rumford, died Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in The Villages, Florida.

Mrs. McLaughlin was born in Cairo, N.Y. and grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was a long-time resident of Rumford, where she and her husband of 56 years, Joe, raised six children. The couple moved to The Villages in 2004. She loved nothing more than doting upon her grandchildren and taking long walks with her beloved Wheaten terrier.

She is survived by her husband; sons Mark, of Rehoboth, Micheal and John R., both of Brooklyn, N.Y., Kevin, of  New York, N.Y., and Chris, of Cary, N.C.; daughter Kerrin Callahan, of Little Compton; sister, Lorraine; brother, Robert; and nine grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages.

Mrs. Eva I. (Poisson) Turenne, age 84, of Sowams Drive, Bristol, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013 surrounded by her family.  She was the beloved wife of Mozart J. Turenne, her husband of 53 years.  Born in Manville, RI, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Guilbeault) Poisson.

Eva devoted her life to raising her children.  She was an avid tennis player well into her 80s and loved spending time with her family and her four amazing grandsons.  She loved to travel in their motor home and enjoyed camping with friends.  Eva was a member of the Special Military Active Retired Travel Club (SMART) and a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Bristol.

Along with her husband, she is survived by three grown children, Patricia T. Woods and her husband, Daniel of Richmond, Maine, Louis J. Turenne and his wife Marcia of Bristol and James  D. Turenne and his wife Leanne of Jamestown; four grandsons, Danny Woods and his wife, Becky, Pete, Jim and Ben Turenne; two sisters, Rose Calvey of Bellingham, Mass., Annette Hebert of Greenville; three brothers, Rene Poisson of Cumberland, Phillip Poisson of Greenville and Laurent Poisson of Los Lunas, N.M.

Funeral services are from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol.  Burial will follow in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol.  Visiting hours Monday, April 29 from 4 to 7p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street, or to the Bristol Fire Dept. and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 775, both Bristol, RI 02809.  For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.