Obituary for Thomas G Defusco
Thomas Gregory DeFusco
A beloved husband, father, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and counselor to many, is gone too soon at 69! Following an illness, Thomas G. “Tommy” DeFusco, passed peacefully into eternal life on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in the comfort of his long-time South Kingstown home surrounded by loving family and caregivers. A dedicated family man, he was the beloved husband, best friend, and soulmate of Melissa (Sullivan) DeFusco and the devoted father of Sierra Margaret DeFusco of Exeter.
Always hard working, he took great pride in his decades-long construction career and was a proud and popular member of the Laborers’ International Union, Local 271, for many years before retiring. Prior to that, he owned and operated the former North End Express convenience store in Providence for a short time. In addition, Tommy also enjoyed his work and co-workers at Marathon House where he served in the Development Office.
Born in Providence to the late Gaetano T. and Margaret (DeAngelis) DeFusco on March 24, 1952, he was raised together with his brother Steven (now deceased) in a loving and traditional Italo-American home in Providence. He was a proud graduate of Classical High School, and furthered his education with College courses in both Rhode Island and Florida.
It was no coincidence that Tommy’s middle initial was “G”, as he has repeatedly been described as “Great” in so many of the roles he’s played in his life here on earth: great person; great husband; great father; great protector and provider; great worker and co-worker; great friend and neighbor; and even through his recent illness, a great, although sometimes impatient, patient; and over all, just a great, great guy !
He loved to cook - Italian, of course - and will be remembered most for his awesome baked stuffed shrimp, ‘mean meatballs’, Sierra’s favorite, and lavish and delicious presentations of La Vigilia on Christmas Eve. Together with Melissa, they would prepare, package, and deliver pies at Thanksgiving and cookies at Christmastime to family and friends, near and far. He also enjoyed some sports and sports-talk, mostly Yankees and Pats, with family and friends, but always with horse racing at the top of the list. While he may not have ‘won big’ in the monetary sense, he certainly derived immense riches and pleasure from the pure enjoyment of each and every race he watched; the annual ‘Triple Crown’ races were his ultimate joy. And let’s not forget the ‘occasional’ purchases of “Sorry, Not A Winner” Power Ball and assorted other lottery tickets!
Through his many and varied interests and experiences, he developed many admirable life skills which now become his legacy. Generally easy-going, always honest, forever loyal, loving, giving, and kind, his strength was the greatest and most manifest in the love, caring, and deep appreciation he had for his cherished family and many friends by whom he’ll be sorely missed.
Besides his widow and daughter, Tommy is survived by his Godmother, Dolores ‘Auntie Del’ Silvers; his primary care giver and close friend, Karen Bachus; and his canine companion, Beau. Tommy and his family will be forever grateful to the Hope Hospice team of compassionate caregivers, especially Erin and Tara.
Tommy’s life will be celebrated on Monday morning, August 23rd, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Berarducci Home & Cremation Care Center, (cor. Grove & Knight Streets, off Broadway) in historic Federal Hill, Providence, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 Noon at St. Ann’s Cemetery Chapel, Cranston, with the Reverend Robert Lacombe, officiating.
A committal service and inurement for both Tommy and his dear brother, Steven, who died in 2019, will then take place in their maternal grandparents’ plot at St. Ann’s. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Condolences may be left at [ProvidenceCremation.com].
Rest in peace, Tommy; you were a good and faithful servant !
A beloved husband, father, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and counselor to many, is gone too soon at 69! Following an illness, Thomas G. “Tommy” DeFusco, passed peacefully into eternal life on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, in the comfort of his long-time South Kingstown home surrounded by loving family and caregivers. A dedicated family man, he was the beloved husband, best friend, and soulmate of Melissa (Sullivan) DeFusco and the devoted father of Sierra Margaret DeFusco of Exeter.
Always hard working, he took great pride in his decades-long construction career and was a proud and popular member of the Laborers’ International Union, Local 271, for many years before retiring. Prior to that, he owned and operated the former North End Express convenience store in Providence for a short time. In addition, Tommy also enjoyed his work and co-workers at Marathon House where he served in the Development Office.
Born in Providence to the late Gaetano T. and Margaret (DeAngelis) DeFusco on March 24, 1952, he was raised together with his brother Steven (now deceased) in a loving and traditional Italo-American home in Providence. He was a proud graduate of Classical High School, and furthered his education with College courses in both Rhode Island and Florida.
It was no coincidence that Tommy’s middle initial was “G”, as he has repeatedly been described as “Great” in so many of the roles he’s played in his life here on earth: great person; great husband; great father; great protector and provider; great worker and co-worker; great friend and neighbor; and even through his recent illness, a great, although sometimes impatient, patient; and over all, just a great, great guy !
He loved to cook - Italian, of course - and will be remembered most for his awesome baked stuffed shrimp, ‘mean meatballs’, Sierra’s favorite, and lavish and delicious presentations of La Vigilia on Christmas Eve. Together with Melissa, they would prepare, package, and deliver pies at Thanksgiving and cookies at Christmastime to family and friends, near and far. He also enjoyed some sports and sports-talk, mostly Yankees and Pats, with family and friends, but always with horse racing at the top of the list. While he may not have ‘won big’ in the monetary sense, he certainly derived immense riches and pleasure from the pure enjoyment of each and every race he watched; the annual ‘Triple Crown’ races were his ultimate joy. And let’s not forget the ‘occasional’ purchases of “Sorry, Not A Winner” Power Ball and assorted other lottery tickets!
Through his many and varied interests and experiences, he developed many admirable life skills which now become his legacy. Generally easy-going, always honest, forever loyal, loving, giving, and kind, his strength was the greatest and most manifest in the love, caring, and deep appreciation he had for his cherished family and many friends by whom he’ll be sorely missed.
Besides his widow and daughter, Tommy is survived by his Godmother, Dolores ‘Auntie Del’ Silvers; his primary care giver and close friend, Karen Bachus; and his canine companion, Beau. Tommy and his family will be forever grateful to the Hope Hospice team of compassionate caregivers, especially Erin and Tara.
Tommy’s life will be celebrated on Monday morning, August 23rd, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Berarducci Home & Cremation Care Center, (cor. Grove & Knight Streets, off Broadway) in historic Federal Hill, Providence, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 Noon at St. Ann’s Cemetery Chapel, Cranston, with the Reverend Robert Lacombe, officiating.
A committal service and inurement for both Tommy and his dear brother, Steven, who died in 2019, will then take place in their maternal grandparents’ plot at St. Ann’s. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Condolences may be left at [ProvidenceCremation.com].
Rest in peace, Tommy; you were a good and faithful servant !