WAKE AND FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

CPT ALAN LIPPACHER

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of retired Rescue Captain Alan Lippacher this morning at 5:15am at the Philip Husar Hospice Center in Providence. Captain Lippacher was an icon in the Providence Fire Department EMS Division and served the citizens of Providence with grace, humility and compassion until his retirement in 2018. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially by his beloved wife Barbara and his daughter Danielle.

Funeral Arrangements for Captain Lippacher are as follows:

Calling Hours will be held at Russell Boyle Funeral Home on Monday, November 24th from 4pm to 7pm.

A mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 4 Lafayette Street, Johnston, RI on Tuesday, November 25th at 10am followed by internment at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Johnston, RI.

God speed Brother, we'll take it from here.

DAC STEPHEN J. CAPRACOTTA

It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely passing of retired Deputy Assistant Chief Steve J. Capracotta. He leaves a legacy of dedication, professionalism and leadership to the Providence Fire Department and to the citizens of Providence which will live on for decades as the standard to which we all should strive to achieve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children during this difficult time.

LT JOHN M. QUIGLEY

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of retired Fire Lieutenant John M. Quigley. Lt. Quigley was a proud member of the 32nd Training Academy which started their PFD careers on November 30, 1970. John achieved the rank of Fire Lieutenant and retired from his assignment at Engine 9 on December 17, 1992.

Please join me in offering our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Rest easy Brother, we'll take it from here. Unhook and climb to the heavens.

FF STEPHEN "SNAKE" DAY

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Retired Fire Investigator Stephen "Snake" Day who passed away Tuesday night. Snake was a proud member of the 36th Training Academy and was the handler of the very first Arson Dog on the Providence Fire Department. He and his dog "Sparky" ushered in a new era of cutting edge Fire Investigation thus bringing our department in line with other large scale municipalities across the country.

Please join me in offering our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Rest easy Brother, we'll take it from here. Unhook and climb to the heavens.

LT GREGORY PAVAO

Lt. Gregory S. Pavao, PFD, age 53, passed away May 3,2025. He was the beloved husband of Jennifer (Box) Pavao; to whom he was married for 23 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of Louis and Mary (Diggins) Pavao. He graduated from LaSalle Academy and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from both URI and RI College.

Greg was a proud member of the Providence Fire Department for 17 years, stationed at both Atwells Ave. and Washington St.Finishing his career as a Lieutenant. He enjoyed playing his guitar, surfing, traveling in the camper, and most of all spending time with his family.

He was the loving father of Gabriella “Ella” and Dylan Pavao and cherished brother of Derek Pavao and his wife Amanda.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the RI Critical Incident Stress Management TEAM, 22 Laura Circle, Cranston, RI 02920 or to the Go Fund Me to support his family, https://gofund.me/85189ec3

FF RAYMOND R. BERGERON

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of retired Firefighter Raymond R. Bergeron who was a proud member of the 25th Training Academy that started their career on Sept 13, 1965. Firefighter Bergeron was a proud member of the Admiral Street Firehouse protecting the neighborhood which he resided and also where, at the time, many senior firefighters were housed.

DISPATCH LT RUSSELL "JAKE" SALISBURY

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of retired Dispatch Lieutenant Russell "Jake" Salisbury.

Please join us in offering our deepest condolences to Jake's family and friends during this difficult time.

FF JAMES "JIMMY" MAHER

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Firefighter James E. Maher who was a proud member of the 29th Training Academy which started on February 24th, 1969.

Firefighter James "Jimmy" Maher was a proud 3 generation Providence Firefighter, following the footsteps of both his Father & Grandfather onto this storied department. Please join us in offering thoughts and prayers to his family & friends as they celebrate his life.

LT JOHN MCKENNA

John E. McKenna (73) died suddenly on February 24, 2025. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island on 8-2-1951. He was the son of Raymond McKenna and Alice (Flynn) McKenna and was educated at the Providence Schools and Providence College.

For 40 years John lived in Smithfield, Rhode Island. He was a Lieutenant of the Providence Fire Department, a job he truly loved. He retired as a hero. For many years after his retirement, he worked at the Pawtucket Red Sox and at spring training as an usher.

John and Pat relocated to Fort Myers in 2013. They met and enjoyed many friends there. John would always help a neighbor in need.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Patricia (Linstrom) McKenna, three children, Megan A. Dempsey (Bryan) of North Providence, Maura McKenna (Seth) of Pascoag, and Melissa Brown (Jason). He was known as Poppi and beloved by his grandchildren, Anthony John (AJ) Assaiante, Kerri and Andrew Dempsey, and another grandchild. He is also survived by siblings Raymond McKenna (Carole), Eileen Bibler (Thomas), and his sister-in-law Doreen McKenna. He was the brother-in-law of Judith Pine, Dorothy Kennedy, Mary Carpentier, Susan Howland, and Madelyn Morrison. He was loved by his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great grandniece.

John is predeceased by his parents, and siblings, Patricia McKenna and Phillip McKenna.

FF JOHNNY BADESSA

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of retired Firefighter Johnny Badessa. Please keep his friends and family in your prayers during this difficult time.

FF DANIEL A. VARGAS

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Firefighter Daniel "Fat Cat" Vargas. Firefighter Vargas was a proud member of the 24th Training Academy which started their journey in August 1964 and he retired in September 1981.

LT HAROLD "HARRY" SCHOFIELD

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of retired Fire Lieutenant Harold "Harry" Schofield. Lieutenant Schofield was a proud member of the Providence Fire Department's 26th Training Academy and served the Department with honor & distinction for 23 years. After his retirement Harry continued his service to the Brothers & Sisters of the PFD by serving as the Manager of the Providence Firefighter's Memorial Hall. He was known to many and loved by all and will surely be missed. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his many friends and family during this difficult time.