Sister Cecilia Scalzo, SSD, 100, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2015, at Grace Barker Nursing Center.  Sister was born in New York, N.Y., the daughter of Teresa (Maira) Scalzo and Giuseppe Scalzo.

She is predeceased by her brother, Carl, and sisters, Josephine and Louisa. She was blessed with four loving and dedicated nieces, Mary Ann, Theresa, Cecile and the late Annette, along with a total of 26 nieces and nephews and 37 grand-nieces and nephews. Especially close to her was her dear and faithful friend, Esther Demara.

Sister Cecilia entered the Sisters of St. Dorothy in 1936, making her final profession in 1946. A dedicated and exuberant teacher for 35 years with a bachelor’s degree from Catholic Teachers College and a master’s degree from Providence College in Religious Education, Sister ministered in Reading, Pa., Staten Island N.Y., Detroit, Mich., Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, Mass., Jesus Savior, Newport, R.I., and Holy Rosary, Providence, R.I. Upon retiring in 1975, she lived at Our Lady of Fatima Convent in Warren.

Although legally blind in her latter years, Cecilia continued to lead a productive life by frequent praying of the Rosary, sewing and a written spiritual newsletter which she sent to family and friends. To the very end of her life, Sister had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive outlook as she waited for the day she would meet her God.

Her funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 29, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by the Rev. Richard Narciso and concelebrated by the Rev. Jack Oliveira and the Rev. Charles Lintz, SSC at St. Elizabeth’s Church. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Dorothy Mission Fund, 13 Monkey Wrench Lane, Bristol, RI 02809.  Arrangements were by the George Lima Funeral Home www.limafh.com.

Dedicated to local history, restoration
Westport Woman of Year 2011

Norma K. Judson, 83, of Westport Point, daughter of the late Evelyn Beatrice (Corey) and Sheldon Burke Judson. A graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1949 and Bates College, she did graduate work at Boston University. After a brief teaching career, she opened the Moby Dick Shop in 1953 and the well-known specialty store, Silas Brown’s, in 1969. She continued in business for forty-four years until her retirement.
Local history and restoration work were an important part of her life. She received several rewards for her work on historic New Bedford Houses and worked on Westport committees to preserve the Bell School, The Wolf Pit School and the Earle School. She designed numerous homes and was happiest creating in this field.
She served on the Bicentennial and Senior Center Committees and for many years, was involved with the Bell School Fair. Other positions included membership in the Community Preservation Committee, the Westport Historical Society, the Westport Historical Commission, and she was elected for eight terms to the Landing Commission. She was proud to be listed in Who’s Who of American Women.
An original member of the Westport Bridge Club, she also enjoyed the Osprey Book Club and members of each group. An avid reader, her interest was strong in the Revolutionary Period in American History. She authored her “Best Memories” cookbook and enjoyed creative cooking. Having grown up on the Westport River, its condition was one of her major concerns.
In 2004, she created the Westport History Work Group that helped to preserve important information for the Westport Library. A new room was dedicated for that purpose, resulting in a vast increase of important material. Her work in this area led her to recognition as the 2011 Westport Woman of the Year.
Above all, she wanted her life to exemplify the equality of women. She also believed everyone should run for public office at some point during their life span. Ms. Judson was a member of Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting.
She leaves 2 daughters: Sarah Judson Moran and her husband John, and Julie Brown and her husband Timothy A. Palmer; granddaughters: Corey Howland Gifford and her husband Woodeman Joseph, Kiah Brown Murphy and Hana Coale Murphy; best friend: Paula Lareau Ryan; and her foster son: Russell F. Wagner.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting, S. Dartmouth at 10:00 A.M.
Calling hours will be Friday from 5-8 at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd., Westport, MA 02790.
Interment will be in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations may be made to the Westport Free Public Library, History Room, P.O. Box N-157, Westport, MA 02790.
For directions or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.

Anthony T. Iacavone, 66, of Birch Road, died peacefully on July 30, 2015. He was the husband of Vivian (Ruggiero) Iacavone.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Anthony and Marjorie (Conti) Iacavone, he was a lifelong resident of Barrington.

Mr. Iacavone was the owner and operator of Masonry Repairs Inc. of Barrington for 30 years before retiring in 2007.

Anthony was a communicant of Holy Angels Church. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and spending time with his loving grandchildren.

Mr. Iacavone served in the National Guard.

Besides his wife of 44 years, he is survived by a daughter, Melissa M. Marszalek of Riverside; a son, Anthony T. Iacavone Jr. of Riverside, and three grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 5, in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Ave., Riverside, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Aug. 6, in Holy Angels Church, Maple Avenue, Barrington, at 10 a.m.  wrwatsonfuneralhome.com

Robert E. Kirby, 76, of Westport, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mariette R. (Carmoni) Kirby.
Born in Fall River, son of the late Clarence E. and Edith (Medeiros) Kirby, he was a lifelong resident of Westport. Prior to his retirement in 2005, he worked as a truck driver for Cumberland Farms for 43 years. He served his country in the United States Navy. Mr. Kirby loved the Red Sox, bowling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his two sons: Robert V. Kirby and his companion Sue Utz of Westport and Michael G. Kirby and his wife Marcia of FL; three daughters: Christine A. Dobyna of Westport, Dora L. Kirby and her companion Mark Angelo of S. Dartmouth and Sherrie M. DuVarney and her husband Tedd of Westport; 2 brothers: Allen J. Kirby of Taunton and Leonard R. Kirby of Tiverton; 10 grandchildren; a great granddaughter; his companion: Lillian Butterworth of Tiverton; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mary Elizabeth Aguiar, 92, of Lincoln Avenue passed away on Saturday, July 25, at Grace Barker Nursing Center. She was the wife of the late John Henry Aguiar.

Born in Bristol at Mount Hope Farm, she was the daughter of the late John Tavares Francis and Maria Esperito Santo (Pacheco) Francis. She was the mother of John (Marie) Aguiar, David Aguiar, Elizabeth (Edward) Rene and the late Joseph Aguiar; grandmother of Aaron John Aguiar, Alison Aguiar, Sara Jean Cobb, Michelle Raposo, and Edward Rene III, and great-grandmother of Aaron John Aguiar Jr., Anna Grace Aguiar, Briana Cobb, Sean Cobb, Jackson Cobb, Marc Raposo, Travis Raposo, Owen Rene and Kennedy Rene.

She was the sister of Rita Crabtree, Joseph Francis, David Francis and the late Veronica Tavares, Daniel Francis, John Francis and Margaret Craig.

Mrs. Aguiar attended Bristol schools and was a companion and caregiver for families in the Bristol area for 30 years before retiring. She was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Church and a member of the Daughters of Isabella, Holy Rosary Sodality, The Legion of Mary, Nocturnal Adoration Society, a Eucharistic Minister and CCD Teacher. She served on the Mosaico Board of Directors and received a citation from the Warren Grange and Governor Carcieri for all of her volunteer efforts.

She participated in Meals on Wheels and Echo, where she volunteered to transport people in need to doctors appointments.

Her funeral services were held Thursday, July 30, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Rev. Richard Narciso at St. Elizabeth Church. The liturgical readings were by Alison Aguiar and Aaron Aguiar.  The Prayer of the Faithful was read by John Aguiar. The offertory gifts were presented by Elizabeth Rene and Rita Crabtree.

Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Ed Rene, Daniel Francis, Jack Francis, Jerry Biancuzzo and Jeffrey Francis

Memorial donations may be made to: St. Elizabeth Church 577 Wood St. Bristol, RI 02809.

Violet (Billing) Vital Cherry, age 93, of Warren, and formerly of Bristol and North Anson, Maine, died Monday, Aug. 3, 2015, at the Grace Barker Nursing Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in North Anson, Maine, she was a daughter of the late Everett J. and Hazel (Knox) Billing. Violet was a Technician 5th Grade in the U.S. Army during World War II. She was an electronic assembler and later an inspector for 15 years for the Raytheon Corporation in Portsmouth, retiring in 1983. She was previously a textile worker at the former Best Made Dress Co. in Warren.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Bristol.

Violet is survived by three children, Joseph P. Vital, 3rd of Embden, Maine, Lester B. Vital of Swansea, and Dee Ann Pattie (Steven) of Warren, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Lester K., Clyde W. and Harold E. Billing and sisters Florence M. Moody and Lucille F. Yount.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m. in the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol. Burial with military honors will follow in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol. Visitation will precede the service from 9: a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Violet would like you to remember her by making a donation to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Mechanical engineer, traveler; enjoyed working on cars

The kind and gentle loving soul of John Rego Costa of Tiverton, RI, age 74, passed into our Lord’s care on June 7, 2015 after a fierce battle with cancer. He leaves behind his adoring and loving family members; Joyce E. Costa, his wife of 45 years, a son Christopher J. Costa, his wife Jessica, and a grandson Collin John Costa who he adored, each of Tiverton, RI, a brother Louis R. Costa of Melbourne, FL, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father John R. Costa and mother Doris Cabral Costa.
John was a mechanical engineer at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) division of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) until his retirement in 2011. He enjoyed travelling, staying at inns, working on cars, and spending time with family and friends.
John was a generous person and enriched many lives during his time on earth. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
A memorial mass in his honor will be scheduled at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to: Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675. His online memorial can be visited at: http://www.forevermissed.com/john-r-costa

James (Jim) Hay Hudner, 89, passed away peacefully on August 5 in Westport, MA where he has lived since 1984 with his recently deceased wife, Florence Hatch Hudner.
Jim was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on October 17, 1925, son of Thomas Jerome Hudner and Mary Elizabeth Brown. After graduating from Phillips Academy Andover, he served in the U.S. Army, then went on to graduate from Princeton University. In 1955, Jim married Florence Hatch of Hartford, CT and by 1958 they returned to Fall River.
Jim spent much of his career as an investment advisor and had a keen interest in the stock market. However, Jim’s life was devoted to his family, including his wife and best friend of almost 60 years, Flossie, his three children and his eight grandsons, of whom he was extremely proud.
He also enjoyed spending time with and supporting his extended family and friends, and investing time within his communities, including the YMCA, Holy Name Church, the American Red Cross and the Westport Council on Aging.
Respected by many for his integrity, he was genuinely interested in the well-being of others. Jim engaged those around him with his varied interests, humor and well-placed sentiment. Interested in history and current affairs, he also enjoyed golf, tennis and reading.
Jim leaves behind his three children James Hay Hudner, Jr., Edward Hatch Hudner, Katherine Hudner Howd and their spouses Mary Ellen Hudner, Glenn Cunha and Thomas Howd. He also leaves behind eight grandsons Thomas, Michael and Stephen Howd, James, Michael and Peter Hudner, and Edward and Scott Cunha.
Jim is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Thomas and Georgea Hudner, Richard and Karen Hudner, Mary (Hudner) and Thruston Hammer, and Philip and Sally Hudner. Additionally, he leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews as well as a devoted team of home aides.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russell Mills Road, South Dartmouth, MA.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Waring-Sullivan Home. A reception will be held following the service at the Hudner’s, 498 River Road, Westport, MA 02790.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mother Caroline Academy, 515 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02121 www.mcaec.org. For tributes and directions visit www.waring-sullivan.com.

Andrew D. “Pete” Barlow, 79, of Westport, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at home, with his family by his side. He was the husband of Joyce A. (Jordan) Napert Barlow and the late Anne M. (Perry) Barlow.
Born in Pennsylvania, son of the late Andrew R. and Anna E. (Burless) Barlow, he had resided in Westport since 1953. He was a 1953 graduate of Redstone High School. Prior to his retirement he worked for many years as a salesman for several area tire manufacturers.
A veteran of the Korean War, he served his country in the United States Navy. Mr. Barlow was an active member of the VFW Ouellette Post 8502 of Westport and had served as both Post Commander and All State Commander. He was a communicant of St. George Church, Westport. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Survivors along with his wife include his children: Mark Barlow and his wife Joan, Lisa Farias and her husband James, Jo-Ann Wells and her husband Jonathan, Carol Steiblin and her husband Maurice, Kelli Towers and her husband Mark, Glenn R. Napert and his wife Tracy and Kevin R. Napert and his partner Lisa Guilbeault; son in law: James Chouinard; a sister: Patricia Novak and her husband William; grandchildren: Jessica Horsman and her husband Russell, Ashley and Sarah Barlow, Rachel and Jason Steiblin, Aimee and Alex Thibault, Colin Wells, Zachary Chouinard, Jamie Rebello and Tessa Napert; great grandchildren: Ethan and Ryan Horsman; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Lori Chouinard and brother of the late Marie Uruskl, Elizabeth Stiner and Dorothy Kallis.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd., Westport.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Camp, c/o St. George Church, 12 Highland Ave., Westport, MA 02790.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.

Virginia Floyd Hastings, of Little Compton, age 94, died peacefully Tuesday morning, August 4, 2015. She was the wife of the late Rt. Reverend William Bradford T. Hastings.
Jinny leaves three children, Daphne Hastings Wilcox, of Avon, CT, William Abbott Hastings and his wife, Patricia, of Dedham, MA, and Bradford Hastings and his wife, Elizabeth, of Boothbay, ME. Her daughter, Judith, predeceased her. She also leaves her son-in-law, David Otis of Chatham, MA.
“Meemee” was very proud of her grandchildren, Brad, Melissa, Jennifer, Dana, Sarah, Taylor, Tucker, Anna and Cooper. She also took great pleasure in posting pictures in her kitchen of her adored nineteen great-grandchildren.
For over twenty years, Jinny was a consultant to parishes in The Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, leading retreats, helping with conflict management and overseeing clergy search processes. She was also an adjunct faculty member at the Hartford Seminary.
jinny was a dedicated volunteer, serving on many boards in Greenwich, CT, including the Greenwich Hospital, the Greenwich YWCA and the Greenwich Library.
In Little Compton, she was a Board member and Chair of several committees at the Sakonnet Golf Club. Jinny was also a Board member of the Visiting Nurse Association, the Little Compton Garden Club and St. Andrew’s by the Sea Episcopal Church. She was a leader and mentor in the establishment of Stay at Home in Little Compton where she served on the board.
Jinny was a gifted athlete and loved all sports. She played golf, paddle tennis and skied. Her first love was tennis. She played team tennis at the Longwood Cricket Club and was the doubles champion at the Sakonnet Golf Club for many years. An avid Patriots fan, she enjoyed attending games in Foxborough. She was also admired for her green thumb, her bridge expertise and her insatiable love of reading.
Jinny loved to travel. In addition to touring throughout the United States,  she visited Europe, India, Africa, Israel and China.
Jinny will be greatly missed by her family, friends and the many others who came in contact with her over her life. Her intelligence, warmth, sense of humor and forthright personality were inspirational.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the United Congregational Church of Little Compton on August 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Given Jinny’s love of color and her desire for us to celebrate her life, attendees are asked to dress in colorful attire. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA. 02215.
Condolences may be left at monahandrabblesherman.com

Frank J. Rose, 95, of Middletown, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, at Newport Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Adeline (Feijo) Rose for 62 years.

Born on April 28, 1920, in Newport, he was the son of the late Manuel and Louise (Miguel) Rose.

Frank was a distinguished member of the United States Navy, joining before the breakout of World War II, his campaigns took him from North Africa through Italy and into Tokyo Bay, While on one of the first ships to be in Japan at war’s end, he was invited onto the USS Missouri to witness the signing of the peace treaty with Japan.

After leaving the Navy, he worked at Quonset Point Naval Air Station as an aircraft mechanic. Upon his retirement, he worked at Newport Air Park and was a bus driver for the Town of Middletown and Viking Tours. He was a member of the Middletown Knights of Columbus, Vasco da Gama Holy Ghost Society, Jesus Saviour Church Holy Name, Middletown VFW, the USS Delta Association and NARFE.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his three children, Charlene Cirillo and her husband Joseph of Middletown, Cynthia Gould and her husband Timothy of Little Compton, and Francis Rose and his wife Mary of White Plains, NY; nine grandchildren, Dr. Lisa Cirillo Seow and her husband Joseph of Wisconsin, Alison Cirillo Koltz and her husband Kevin of New York City, Timothy, Jr. and Rebecca Gould of Little Compton, Kathryn Gould Farias and her husband Dwight of Tiverton, Liz Rose Holmes and her husband David of Nashville, Tenn., Thomas, William and Bridget Rose of New York; his great granddaughter Danica Farias of Tiverton, and his sister, Mary Morro of Swansea, Mass.

He was the brother of the late George and Manuel Rose and the grandfather of the late Jaclyn Rose Gould.

His funeral was Saturday, Aug. 8, at Memorial Funeral Home, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Jesus Savior Church, Newport. Burial with Military honors was in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Middletown Rescue Wagon Fund, 239 Wyatt Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or to the Visiting Nurse of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Additional information at www.memorialfuneralhome.com

Genevieve I. (Ciallella) Costello, 83, lifelong resident of Barrington, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015. Born in Fall River, Mass., she was a daughter of the late Emilio and Genoeffa (Andreozzi) Ciallella. She was the former wife of William “Irish” Costello.

Ms. Costello sang and played the upright bass with her sister in their touring and nightclub act “Renie and Jeanie, The Chellel Sisters”. She was an accomplished cake decorator and will be well remembered for her artistic cakes. She enjoyed gardening and being outdoors.

She is survived by her sons, Robert and Kevin Costello; sister, Irene Weeks; and grandchildren, Eladia and Devin Costello and Heather Cavalloro.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 10:30 in Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home, 615 Main St. Warren, RI. Burial will be private. Contributions may be made in her memory to American Parkinson’s Disease Association, PO Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940. www.wilbur-romano.com

Alexander G. “Sandy” Lyle Jr., of Barrington, died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. He was the husband of Nancy (Haley) Lyle. Born in Newport, he was the son of the late Alexander G. Lyle, Admiral USN Ret’d and Ruth (Haire) Lyle.

Sandy graduated from Moses Brown School in 1942 and attended Brown University. He was a Navy veteran of World War II.

Sandy was a real estate broker for 44 years with Coleman Realtors and then Residential Properties, retiring in 2008. Besides his wife of 66 years, he leaves a son, Alexander “Sandy” G. Lyle III (Janet) of Lincolnville, Maine; 3 daughters, Jan Lyle Malcolm (Robert) of Barrington; Lynda Lyle Pittenger (Michael) of Merrimack, NH; Nancy Lyle Burlingame (Blair) of Barrington; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 191 County Road, Barrington. Interment was in St. John’s Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Philip Hulitar, Home and Hospice Care of RI 1085 North Main Street Providence 02904 would be appreciated. Visit smithmason.com for online condolences.

Gary Rogers, 50, of Tiverton, died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at Charlton Memorial Hospital.  He was the beloved husband of Susan J. (Furtado) Rogers.  Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Frank Rogers & Carol A. (Kershaw) Heap.

Mr. Rogers was a graduate of Tiverton High School and Johnson & Wales School of Culinary Arts.  He worked as a chef at various restaurants.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm in Iraq.

Besides his wife, he leaves his loving daughter, Samantha L. Rogers of Fall River, and his grandson, Logan J. Souza of Fall River.  He was the son-in-law of Marjorie Furtado Shea of Tiverton and the brother of David Gariepy of Fall River.

His funeral will be held Friday, Aug. 14, at 9 a.m. from the Pocasset Memorial Funeral Home, 462 Main Road, Tiverton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Christopher’s Church, 1554 Main Road, Tiverton.  Burial with military honors will follow in Pocasset Hill Cemetery.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7 p.m.

For online messages of condolence, kindly visit www.Almeida-Pocasset.com

Claire (Murray) Knight, 84, a lifelong Bristol resident, died peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, at the Crestwood Nursing Center. She was the wife of the late Norman L. Knight.

Born May 28, 1931, in East Providence, she was the daughter of the late John V. and Mary V. (Saieta) Murray.

She leaves her children, Robert Knight of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Claudia Riley of Swansea, Leonard Knight of Boca Raton, Fla., and George Knight of Bristol; her grandchildren, Lisa, Christopher, Peter, Michael and Nicholas; and her great-grandson, Christopher Joseph.

She was also the sister of the late John Murray, Roger Murray and Manuel Branco.

Her funeral service will be held Friday, Aug. 14, at 11:30 a.m. in the Rebello Funeral Home and Crematory, 901 Broadway, East Providence, with burial following at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday morning, 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the Crestwood Nursing Center Activity Fund, 568 Child St., Warren, RI  02885 or to the American Heart Assn., PO Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241.

www.rebellofuneralhome.com

First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna, Jr., age 35 of Bristol, an Army Special Forces soldier for 17 years, died Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, in Kabul, Afghanistan, during a complex attack on a coalition facility. He was the son of Peter A. and Carol A. (Fennell) McKenna of Bristol.

Andrew was a Special Forces Operations sergeant, assigned to First Battalion, 7^th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. A lifelong resident of Bristol, Andrew entered the Army on July 24, 1998, as an infantryman following his graduation from Mt. Hope High School, Bristol. Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies from Norwich University this year and is a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course and Senior Leader Course.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was the brother of the late Patrick A. McKenna and grandson of the late Harriet Correia and the late John and Muriel McKenna.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main St., Warren, RI. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015, from 3 to 8 p.m. in St. Mary of the Bay Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 1SG P. Andrew McKenna, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, ℅ Citizens Bank, Bell Tower Plaza, 576 Metacom Ave.,  Bristol, RI 02809, or to the Wounded Veteran Retreat Program, P.O. Box 619, Parkton, NC 28371, or online at www.woundedveteranretreatprogram.com.  For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com

William “Billy” DaPonte, 53, of Swansea, died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Linda (Prior) DaPonte.
Billy was born in Providence, a son of Anthony and Carolyn F. (Mello)DaPonte of Warren.
Mr. DaPonte was the former Director of Operations for the Diabetes Association of Fall River. He had lived in Swansea for 28 years, coming from Warren, and was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Swansea. Billy was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Lions Club.
Mr. DaPonte was known for his sense of humor, and he also enjoyed American history, reading and gardening.
Besides his wife and parents, he leaves his daughter, Lauren Farinha and her husband Matthew of Somerset; his brothers, Paul DaPonte of Providence and Michael DaPonte of Millersville, Md.; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main St., Warren. Burial follows in St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery.
See www.wjsmithfh.com.

James A. Tavares, 73, formerly of Ivy Street, died peacefully on August 5, 2015.  Born in East Providence, he was the son of the late Anibal and Laurentina (Arruda) Tavares.

After graduating EPHS Class of 1959, he was recruited by the Navy but served in the US Air Force.  Jim was the devoted husband of F. Darlene Tavares for 45 years, and beloved brother to Laura and Frank Harnedy, Paul and Lee Tavares and the late Charles D. Tavares. He could be found more often than not on his boat, The Kittens, at the dock, on the Bay or in Potter’s Cove before moving to sunny Florida.

He’ll be greatly missed by his children Laura Droleski, Jeanette Westerlin, Christine and James Haggerty, James A. Tavares, Jr., Justin A. Tavares and Janelle and Erick Thompson as well as Lana and Cecil Davis and Stacy Bartlett.

He always had a True Story to tell and an unbiased ear to listen to his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Family or friend, by blood or by choice, his heart had room for us all and he made sure we never once doubted it.

Mrs. Irene V. (Godfrey) Simpson, 78, of Bristol, went to her eternal reward on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015. She is the wife of Richard V. Simpson, her husband of 55 years.

Originally from Norwich, Conn., she is a graduate of the Norwich Free Academy, Class of 1955. In Norwich she worked for the Dahl Oil Company and after moving to Bristol in 1960, she worked at the F.J. Murphy Oil Company for several years, she was later employed by the Maisano Bros. Oil Co., as office manager.

For many years, she sang lead in the East Providence Chapter of Harmony Inc., an all-female barbershop chorus. In 1970 she received her Rhode Island retail license to sell art and antiques, doing business as Bristol Art Exchange; additionally, she was an apartment house manager.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a brother, Arthur W. Godfrey Jr. of Kissimmee, Fla., and a sister, Yvette Ernst of Norwich, Conn., and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol, Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol. Visitation will be Saturday morning only at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St., Bristol, RI  02809. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com