Eli R. Petrarca

   Eli R. Petrarca, 89, formerly of North Providence RI, passed away peacefully on February 26th., at the RI Veterans Home in Bristol.

   Born in Providence, he was a son of the late John and Sarafina (Lancelotta) Petrarca. He is survived by his baby sister Carmela, his brother Tony, and many loving nieces and nephews. Eli was a veteran of the Korean War and later worked as a purchasing agent for the Department of the Navy, in Davisville, RI. He was a Knights of Columbus Finnegan Council board member and for many years was responsible for publishing their monthly Bandwagon newsletter.  He was a devout St. Augustine’s parishioner who after his retirement graciously provided automobile rides to family and friends for their various appointments. He also frequently accompanied his sisters to visit the elderly and attend charitable events for their parishes. Eli was a gifted self-taught piano player who continued to play his keyboard daily at the Veterans Home, accompanying the home’s musical group, The Hum and Strummers at their weekly gatherings. With his nieces he enjoyed laughing and clowning around, correcting their Italian pronunciations, singing his Guy Lombardo tunes, and dining at the Lobster Pot overlooking the ocean.  While playful and high-spirited, he was a gentle, humble soul who never complained or expected anything from others and valued his faith and family above all.

   He was predeceased by his dear sisters Phyllis and Anna and his brothers Fred, Mario, Ray, Lenny, and Philip, all World War II veterans. Our sweet Uncle Eli will be sadly missed by his loving family and the caring Veterans Home staff and friends. 

  Funeral Saturday from the Jones-Walton-Sheridan Funeral Home, 1895 Broad St., at Park Ave., Cranston at 8:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 9:00 AM in St. Peter Church, 350 Fair St., Warwick. Interment with Military Honors will be in Rhode Island Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

  Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM in the Funeral Home. 

  In lieu of flowers in Eli’s memory, please make a visit or give a lift to someone who needs you.

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