DAC ANTHONY V. SAURO

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Deputy Assistant Chief Anthony V. Sauro, 93, who passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

We would like to extend thoughts & prayers to the family, friends and his Brothers & Sisters of the Providence Fire Department who were privileged enough to know him and work side by side with him.

God speed Brother, we'll take it from here

LT MICHAEL A. BALDASARRE

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of retired Fire Lieutenant Michael A. Baldasarre. Brother Baldasarre was a proud member of the 28th Training Academy which began it's legacy on August 26, 1968 until his untimely retirement on November 20, 1987. Having served the Procidence Fire Department with honorable and dedicated service for nearly 20 years, Lt. Baldasarre continued his legacy of devoted service by accepting the position of Treasurer of the Providence Permanent Firemen's Relief Association for 11 years where he helped countless numbers of our members in their time of need. Please keep his family, friends and all who knew him or worked with him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

God speed Brother, we'll take it from here

DAC JANES MALLOY

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of DAC James Malloy, 90, who passed away on August 16, 2024. James was a 30 year veteran of the PFD and was a proud member of the 18th Training Academy. Please join us in offering our thoughts and prayers to all of his family, friends and Brothers of the PFD who knew and worked with him.

CPT DENNIS MCLAUGHLIN

Captain Dennis McLaughlin passed away peacefully under hospice care on Wednesday July 24. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and coach.

Dennis proudly served in the United States Navy on a submarine during the Cold War era. He went on to begin his career as a professional firefighter, serving the City of Providence until his retirement at the rank of Captain of the Fire Prevention Bureau. Dennis also earned two bachelor’s degrees from Providence College while serving with the fire department. He was an avid sports fan who coached his sons in little league baseball, soccer, and basketball in the East Greenwich community where he resided for over 45 years and attended Our Lady of Mercy parish.

Dennis is finally resting at peace and will truly be missed by those fortunate enough to have known him.

FF WALTER H. COOK

Walter, 86, was a proud member of the 21st Training Academy who retired in 1981.

Walter will be deeply missed by those who knew him best. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

FF CIPRIANO M. ILLIANO

Cipriano Massimo Illiano, known affectionately as "Cip", passed away on May 13, 2024, in North Providence, RI, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service. He was born on December 21, 1982, in Providence, RI, where his journey began.

Cipriano's life was one filled with selflessness and commitment to helping others. He started his career in the field of emergency services as an EMT for New England Ambulance before transitioning to become a firefighter at Tiverton Fire Department and currently for the Providence Fire Department, Local 799. His unwavering spirit led him to also serve as a Sergeant at Brown University Ambulance and eventually at Schiappa Insurance Agency. Cipriano's passion for aiding those in need shined brightly throughout his various roles.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Cipriano pursued higher education and earned a Degree in Nursing, and multiple licenses and certifications in the healthcare field. His thirst for knowledge and desire to make a difference in people's lives were evident in all that he did.

Cipriano's sense of duty extended beyond his civilian life as he honorably served in the US Coast Guard from 2002 to 2006, reaching the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (E4). He was deployed to Ground Zero in New York City after 9/11 attacks, something he was so proud of. He continued his service by becoming a US Customs & Border Patrol Agent, further showcasing his commitment to safeguarding his community.

Cipriano will be deeply missed by those who knew him best. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

FF JAMES T. MOLIS

James T. Molis, 82, of Alpine Way, formerly of Lincoln, died Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Mount Saint Rita Health Centre, Cumberland. He was the beloved husband of Paulette J. (Bessette) Molis.

Born in Providence, the son of the late Domenic and Mary (Dick) Molis, he had lived in Lincoln for forty-six years, moving to North Smithfield three years ago.

Mr. Molis was a firefighter for the Providence Fire Department for twenty-four years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Retired Providence Police & Firefighters Association.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam era.

Jim loved to travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, especially the North Conway area. He was an avid hiker, going back to his days as young boy, alongside his father and uncles, and would take his family to the Dolly Copp Campground in Gorham every summer. But his true passion was his grandchildren. Grandpa and memere didn't miss an event. It didn't matter if it was a graduation in Florida, dance recital, track meet or baseball game. He watched, cheered and supported them because he was proud of whatever their accomplishments were. Whenever anyone of them walked into the room, his eyes would widen, his stature would straighten up, and call out their name like it's the first time he saw them in years.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Amy Sayles and her husband Steve of Chepachet; three sons, Joseph L. Molis and his wife Deborah of Cumberland; James D. Molis and wife Molly of Ponte Vedre, Florida, and Brian T. Molis of North Smithfield. Mr. Molis was proud of his eleven grandchildren, Joseph L. Molis II, Owen Molis, Lindsay Molis, Daniel Molis, Robert Molis, Cecilia Molis, Virginia Molis, Olivia Molis, Wyatt Sayles, Charlotte Sayles and Etta Sayles.

FF CHARLES E. BLOUNT

Ret. PFD, Charles E. Blount, age 94, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. He is the husband of the late Sylvia (Peterson) Blount. He was the son of the late Charles E. Blount and Mildred (Lythgoe) Blount Kelley.

He attended school in Pawtucket. A retired member of the Providence Fire Department and former dispatcher for S.C.T. Inc.

Charles was a US Air Force veteran during the Korean War.

Charlie and Sylvia enjoyed travelling, cruising and hiking with friends and family.

He was a member of The Appalachian Mountain Club, Sierra Club, Florida Trail Association and the Providence Retired Police and Firefighters Association.

Charles leaves behind 2 nieces, Frances Hennessey and Patrica Hennessey. He is also survived by several grand-nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, twelve great, great nieces and nephews, and the late niece, Michaela Oldenburg.

BC WILLIAM E. THURBER

William E. Thurber Ret. Battalion Chief PFD 81, of Hope, RI passed away Saturday January 22, 2024 at Crystal Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Elaine (Creamer) Thurber.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Cecil T. and Catherine T. (Flannagan) Thurber. He was a Providence Firefighter for 35 years retiring as Battalion Chief and was a US Marine Corps veteran during the Vietnam era and a graduate of Providence College.

Besides his wife he was the devoted father of Kevin M. Thurber and his wife Kelley and dear brother of Thomas Thurber and his wife Nora.

FF MATHEW "MATTY" RAY

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Matthew " Matty" Ray, 78, who passed away on January 13, 2024. Matty was a proud member of the 31st Training Academy and retired due to a work-related injury in 1991. Matty's last station of record was Tower Ladder 1. Please join us in offering our thoughts and prayers to all of his family, friends and Brothers of the PFD who knew and worked with him.