Michael “Mike” Dunphy
Michael Joseph Dunphy, age 69, passed away suddenly March 28, 2022. Born on January 17, 1953 in Pawtucket, RI to Thomas and Irene (Bebeau) Dunphy, Michael was a longtime resident of Narragansett, RI. He was a member of the Mettatuxet Yacht Club and an award-winning member of the Narragansett Surfcasters Club. After attending Springfield Technical CC and working for the Narragansett Times, he became an owner/operator lobster fisherman out of the Port of Galilee. Later with his son Evan, he formed Dunphy Painting, a commercial painting company. Michael is predeceased by his mother and father and siblings, Carol Lumbra (Ray) and Thomas (Buster) Dunphy. Left to remember Michael’s love are his son Evan Michael Dunphy, his fiancée Stacy Moore, and his grandson Cameron Thomas Dunphy as well as his niece and nephews, Raymond Lumbra, Jr, Laurie Martinez, Thomas Dunphy, Patrick Dunphy (Amybeth) and family and many grand nieces and nephews. Evan’s mother, Jane’s family, which includes many aunts, uncles, and cousins will also cherish many wonderful memories of Michael. Michael was an accomplished angler and surfer and found the most happiness on the ocean and with his family. His singular and caring way made a lasting and significant impression on those he loved.
Richard “Dropper Dick” Geldard
Richard Barton Geldard, 84, of Warwick, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Frank and Ruth (Barton) Geldard. He was the loving husband of the late Carol Linda (Johnson) Geldard and devoted companion of Susan A. Gardner. Richard was an Alumnus of both Boston University and the Wentworth Institute of Technology. He went on to become a Registered Professional Engineer with C.E. Maguire Inc. in Providence and later became the Town Engineer of Smithfield. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve. Richard also attended the Greenwood Community Church Presbyterian. In his free time, Richard coached both children and youth sports. An avid sports fisherman, he was a member of multiple fishing organizations and won many fishing awards. In addition to his companion Susan, he is survived by his beloved son, Richard D. Geldard of South Kingstown, and his grandchildren, Elija and Isabelle. He was the father of the late Laurie A. Cobb.
David “Dave” Peterson
David (Dave) Dean Peterson passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on March 13th, 2022, at 12:15 p.m. at Scallop Shell Nursing Home in Wakefield, RI, surrounded by his adoring family. He had lived with Parkinson’s disease for almost 22 years.
Dave was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He was born on June 7th, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland, the second child of John Edward Peterson and Kathleen Delozier Peterson, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his love, Joya Maxwell; daughter, Kimberly Peterson Beauchamp (Michael) and their children, his beloved granddaughters, Lily Anya and Scarlett Aurora; sister, Deborah Peterson Phillips (d. Walter) and nephew, James Lee Phillips (Heather) and their children, Brendyn and Keyleigh; brother, George James Peterson; brother-in-law, George Jay Coffey Jr. (Linda) and nephews Gregory (Rhonda) and Clifford (Melia); sister-in-law Anita Coffey (Philip Shuler) and children Jennifer, Benjamin, and Austin; sister-in-law Gailjean Coffey Gallon (d. Bill) and their children Meaghan, Skipper, Tobias, and Myles; and many great nieces and nephews. David is also preceded in death by his beloved great niece, Kira Leigh Brown-Augdal, daughter of his niece, Jennifer Brown, and Trond Augdal.
Dave grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic in 1961. He was offered several academic scholarships to colleges around the country, and he landed on Duke University as his top choice. He completed his studies in three years with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Theology, while working full time, playing lacrosse for Duke, and maintaining a 4.0 average. He graduated in 1964 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Tao Beta Pi honor societies.
Pasquale “Pat” Conte
Pasquale “Pat” Conte, 64, of Southbury and formerly of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2021 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Janet (Malota Bashar) Conte. Pasquale was born in Niagara Falls, NY on November 7, 1956 to the late Tomaso and Rosa (Granata) Conte. He grew up in Norwalk, graduating from Central Catholic High School and then from UCONN. Pat was known and revered for his skills as a builder, designer and general contractor. He has a legacy of projects in Norwalk, New Canaan, Southbury, and south county Rhode Island. Pat enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, fishing, boating, and hunting. He was an active member in many local clubs including Algonquin Archers, Fairfield County Fish and Game, and the Norwalk Boat Club to name a few. He was a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church and a community member for 20 years. His greatest joy was spending time at his summer home in Charlestown Rhode Island. There he was part of the Rhode Island Anglers Association and the Narragansett Surf Casters. He was best known as a friend, mentor, craftsmen, artist and family Man. His presence instilled a spirit of energy and connection with whomever he met. Besides his wife Janet, Pat will be missed by his 2 step-sons Michael Bashar and Jonathan Bashar; his sister Giovanna Conte (Keal Evans); his brother Anthony Conte (Carol Peroni), and their two children Max Conte and Erika Conte; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
David H. Viau
Viau David H., 63, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021. He was the beloved companion for 30 years of Laurie Dutra. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Henry and Louise (Johnson) Viau. David had been employed as a Senior Engineer Tech. with GTECH for 29 years until his retirement in 2019. He loved boating, fishing and Hamm Radio. David was a member of the Antique Outboard Motor Club, the New England Wireless and Steam Museum and the Narragansett Surf Casters Club. He was the loving brother of Mary Lou O’Dell (Bob); uncle of Lynette Bernardo (Frank) and Richard White; great uncle of Kevin and Kayla Rosenberg, Zachary and Madison White and great great uncle of Emma Rosenberg.
Patrick W. Zilly
Patrick W Zilly, 69, of Narragansett passed away suddenly on May 11th, 2021 in Narragansett, RI. He was the beloved husband of Lynn W. (Winkle) Zilly. Born in California, Patrick was the son of the late Jack and Layla Zilly. Pat retired from the University of Rhode Island and had an active lawn care business that he ran with the help of his children. Pat is survived by his son Ryan, daughter in law Emily and daughter, Kelly. His four grandchildren, Jack, Andrew, Liam and Beatrix Zilly. His brother’s John, Jimmy, sister’s Margaret, Christine, late brother Michael and many nieces and nephews. His mother-in-law Joan V. Winkle, brother-in-law Donald Winkle and wife Maureen. Pat was an active member of his community and always ready to help anyone in need. He was a long-time member of the Narragansett Lions Club, Ronald McDonald House and the URI 5th Quarter Club. Pat loved playing golf, spending summers on his boat and traveling as often as possible with his wife. You could find Patrick every morning walking the Narragansett Town Beach as the sun rose.
Flynn J. Sullivan
Flynn passed away on April 20, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his parents James C. and Elizabeth F. Sullivan, his sister Mary Kate Sullivan and her fiancé Ryan Elliott, his sister Eily Flynn Sullivan, his grandmother Mary Degnan Flynn, and his aunts and uncles: Joanne Lewando, Bernie and Ann Flynn, John and Chrissy Flynn, Jim and Stacey Flynn, and Bob and Michelle Flynn. He was predeceased by his grandparents Leo and Barbara Sullivan and Jack Flynn. He was one of 100 cousins with whom he cherished spending his favorite week of the year on Frye Island on Sebago Lake every summer.
Flynn graduated from Narragansett High School in 2019 where he played tennis and ran cross country and track. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, and the Narragansett Surfcasters. In addition to his love of fishing, he enjoyed skiing and hiking in the White Mountains, travel, photography, golf, attending Broadway shows, and exploring cities. He was a foodie and had amazing recall for all types of food and dining experiences. Flynn may hold the record for most visits to Brickley’s Ice Cream. He pursued his many interests and hobbies with passion and in the company of his friends and family.
Flynn touched countless people during his 20 years. He was known as an old soul who formed bonds with people of all ages. He leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. His eighth-grade teacher captured his essence when she recently wrote to Flynn, “You have a way about you – thinking of others first and able to notice if someone could use a hand” and described him as “a quality human being with the kind spirit to go along with it”.
His life was a beautiful gift to his family, and we cherish every moment we had with him. He was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma just after graduating from high school two years ago. He was a profile in courage dealing with the cancer. He always thought of others and did not dwell on his illness, continuing to pursue his hobbies and taking classes at Harvard Extension School and URI. He was fortunate to live in such a supportive community and was graced by so many acts of kindness from friends and family. He received tremendous medical care through Mass General and HopeHealth Hospice. Flynn lived an exceptional life and taught us all lessons of perseverance, selflessness, and love.
Michael Leo Lapisky
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Michael & Mary Lapisky and the brother of the late John Lapisky. Michael was part of a large and loving family including sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many close friends and colleagues.
Michael graduated from Warwick Veterans High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Rhode Island. He began his career as a Wildlife Biologist with the State of Rhode Island in the Department of Environmental Management in 1972 and retired in 2008 as Chief of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. He fulfilled his lifelong passion of caring for and preserving the wildlife and environmental treasures of Rhode Island.
Michael lived in Narragansett for many years and generously gave back to his community by serving on various boards and commissions. He was the chairman of the Narragansett Zoning Board and the Narragansett Conservation Commission. After retiring, he became a member of the Master Gardner Program at the University of Rhode Island. He spent many hours volunteering where ever he was needed, and in 2019 won the Roseanne Sherry Distinguished Educator Award.
The Narragansett Surfcasters made a donation to the Hope Health Center in Mike’s honor.
Craig “Little Fox” Champlin
Craig A. “Little Fox” Champlin, 68, of South Kingstown, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at home. Born in South Kingstown, a son of the late Milfred Champlin, Sr. and Pearl B. (Reels) Champlin.
Craig was a “noted” Stonemason, an avid fisherman, hunter and surfer for many years. His stonework can be seen throughout Rhode Island. A member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Craig dedicated his life to “Mother Earth”. Craig was a member of the Narragansett Surfcasters Club.
Craig leaves to mourn his trusted, loyal soulmate, his dog “Shalako”. Craig is survived by his son, Joey Burns and his daughter, Sydney Gail Champlin; his grandchildren, Gianna Skye, Brady Joseph and Savannah Rayne; his brothers, Eugene O., and Douglas W. Champlin; his sisters, Virginia Perry, Sheila Champlin-Levy, Donna Maddox and Gail Champlin. He also leaves his godson, Sterlinq “Little Fox” Christy. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Besides his parents, he was predeceased in death by his brothers, Milford “Mickey” and Gary Champlin and his sisters, Barbara Sekator, Shirley Christy, Gloria Fry and Cynthia Champlin.
The Avery-Storti website has a video tribute to Little Fox here.
Mary Rose (Iaquinto) Dangelo
The Narragansett Surfcasters are all deeply saddened by the loss of Mary Dangelo who passed from this earth on Friday, December 21, 2018. Mary was a beloved friend and lifetime member of the Club and will be missed by all who knew her.
She was married to the late Andrew Dangelo for 58 years and is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.Mary was the owner and “Boss” of Maridee Bait and Tackle, Narragansett for many years until her death.
She was a member of the Narragansett Pier Fishing Club, the Narragansett Surfcasters Club, the Narragansett Pier Sports Fishing Association, the Guilford Agricultural Society, she was on the Polo Club board for 12 years, and was active in the Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls and Little League.
Jim Gallagher
James A. Gallagher, Jr., 69, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 1, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Lisi) Gallagher for forty-four years. Born in South Kingstown and raised in Jamestown, he was the son of the late James A. and Marion L. (Dowd) Gallagher. Mr. Gallagher was a proud US Air Force Veteran who was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.
Recently, he was a technical service manager for IGT at Twin River Casino and had previously worked for several firms in Massachusetts in IT/Network Management. Jim greatly enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his friends and family. He was an avid golfer and saltwater fisherman, always looking for the perfect spots to pursue these passions. In support of these interests, he was an active member/officer of the Narragansett Surfcasters and a longtime member of the USGA. A self-taught craftsman, he built beautiful furniture, assembled and repaired golf clubs, and created intricate handcrafted fishing lures.
Dick “FishDoc” Mandeville
Richard J. Mandeville, 71, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018. He was the beloved husband of Anne M. (Broderick) Mandeville. Born in Woonsocket, he was a son of the late Rowell L. and Anna (Kozaczka) Mandeville. Dick was a biology teacher at Lincoln High School for 33 years before retiring in 1999. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from URI and his Master of Education Degree from RIC. He was a member of the RI Saltwater Anglers Association and the Narragansett Surf Casters. He was a member of the RI National Guard for 6 years and the Army Reserve for 9 years.