Obituary for Richard G Willner
Obituary for Richard G. Willner, Sr.
Richard G. Willner, 77, of Coventry an accomplished musician and loving family man, passed into eternal life on January 4th, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy “Pixie” (Ferri) Merolla Willner, and a loving father to Richard G. Willner, Jr., Andrea Nicole(husband Michael G.) Martel, Dr. Jennifer L. Merolla (husband Andy Tardibuono), Thomas A. Merolla, and Christopher J. Ferri Merolla (wife Natalie). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas G.Willner, Ali Michelle and Lea Nicole Martel, Luca and Siena Merolla Tardibuono, and Thomas, Sophia, Gia, and Julianna Merolla; a dear sister-in-law, Jerilyn Willner; and several neices, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, George G. Willner.
Born in Providence on June 8, 1943 to the late George Douglas and Anne Veronica (DeAngelis) Willner, he was a proud graduate of La Salle Academy, Class of 1961, and thereafter attended Roger Williams College.
A hard worker, he enjoyed and was employed in a variety of challenging positions throughout his lifetime including several years in the insurance industry and professional gigs with several bands, actually too numerous to mention. Richard’s passion, of course, was music and it consumed him for most of his life. Given the name of the’ Godfather of RI Blues Jams’, the guitar was his instrument of choice but he is also respected and remembered for his vocals, fabulous arrangements, and as having been a terrific teacher and mentor. Having invested and endeared himself to so many over the years has blessed him with a large and extended musical family who now mourn his passing.
When he wasn’t making or listening to great music, he enjoyed fishing, time at the beach, and traveling most anywhere. He cherished spending time with his family with whom he made great memories and by whom he’ll be sorely missed. Richard’s family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to him by the Pace Organization of Rhode Island during the past few years.
Arrangements entrusted to the Berarducci Home & Cremation Care Center, Providence.
Memorial Services and a celebration of Richard’s life will be held as soon as can be safely scheduled; details will be posted here when finalized.
In the meantime, family and friends are invited to leave memorials and condolences on this website, [ProvidenceCremation.com].
Rest in peace, Richard; “the souls of the just are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them.”
[Wisdom 3:1]
Richard G. Willner, 77, of Coventry an accomplished musician and loving family man, passed into eternal life on January 4th, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy “Pixie” (Ferri) Merolla Willner, and a loving father to Richard G. Willner, Jr., Andrea Nicole(husband Michael G.) Martel, Dr. Jennifer L. Merolla (husband Andy Tardibuono), Thomas A. Merolla, and Christopher J. Ferri Merolla (wife Natalie). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Nicholas G.Willner, Ali Michelle and Lea Nicole Martel, Luca and Siena Merolla Tardibuono, and Thomas, Sophia, Gia, and Julianna Merolla; a dear sister-in-law, Jerilyn Willner; and several neices, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, George G. Willner.
Born in Providence on June 8, 1943 to the late George Douglas and Anne Veronica (DeAngelis) Willner, he was a proud graduate of La Salle Academy, Class of 1961, and thereafter attended Roger Williams College.
A hard worker, he enjoyed and was employed in a variety of challenging positions throughout his lifetime including several years in the insurance industry and professional gigs with several bands, actually too numerous to mention. Richard’s passion, of course, was music and it consumed him for most of his life. Given the name of the’ Godfather of RI Blues Jams’, the guitar was his instrument of choice but he is also respected and remembered for his vocals, fabulous arrangements, and as having been a terrific teacher and mentor. Having invested and endeared himself to so many over the years has blessed him with a large and extended musical family who now mourn his passing.
When he wasn’t making or listening to great music, he enjoyed fishing, time at the beach, and traveling most anywhere. He cherished spending time with his family with whom he made great memories and by whom he’ll be sorely missed. Richard’s family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to him by the Pace Organization of Rhode Island during the past few years.
Arrangements entrusted to the Berarducci Home & Cremation Care Center, Providence.
Memorial Services and a celebration of Richard’s life will be held as soon as can be safely scheduled; details will be posted here when finalized.
In the meantime, family and friends are invited to leave memorials and condolences on this website, [ProvidenceCremation.com].
Rest in peace, Richard; “the souls of the just are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them.”
[Wisdom 3:1]