Carmino Sebastian Pirri

Carmino Sebastian Pirri, 88, of Johnston, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.  He was the beloved husband of Joanna (Veneziano) Pirri and the son of the late Vincenzo and Francesca (Foti) Pirri.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Vincent Pirri and his wife Susan, Francine Leonard and her husband Thomas Jr., Gino Pirri and his wife Jerilyn; cherished grandchildren Kayla Petipas and her husband John Paul, Michael Leonard, Nicholas Leonard and his wife Stephanie, David Pirri, Katherine Leonard, Jennifer Leonard, Gianna Pirri, Ava Pirri and Ella Pirri.  He was the dear brother of the late Tommasa Sottile.  He is also survived by his nieces and nephews whom he loved, Patricia Veneziano, Sergio Veneziano and his wife Michelle, Anthony Sottile and his wife Doreen, along with those who predeceased him.

Carmino was born in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, in Messina, Sicily on January 20th, 1935. His childhood in the Sicilian countryside, though idyllic and simple, was ultimately marked by the tragedies of WWII, forcing his family to leave their home like so many others at this time. At 16 years old, Carmino with his family emigrated to Providence’s Federal Hill district to start a new life in America.

At night school learning English, Carmino met the love of his life, Joanna Veneziano. On their first date, they went to see the movie Love is a Many Splendored Thing and were inseparable from that moment on. They were married for an incredible 64 years. Together, they raised three children, Vincent, Francine, and Gino and built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Carmino was a proud United States Army Veteran serving two years of active duty during the Korean War. He was a true patriot and always spoke fondly of his time in the military. Following his service, Carmino started his lifetime career in the jewelry industry, ultimately serving as factory manager. He was beloved by his colleagues and described as a true gentleman who would go out of his way to help anyone in need of mentoring or guidance.

Carmino was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who placed his family above everything else in life. He was a doting grandfather who loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow into the incredible individuals they are today.

In addition to his love for his family, Carmino had a passion for gardening. He spent countless hours tending to his vegetable garden and making his famous tomato salad.

Above all else, Carmino was sincere, compassionate, and a great storyteller who always had a tale to tell and a smile on his face. The memories we have of Carmino will live on in our hearts forever. We will miss him deeply, but we take solace in the knowledge that he is now in eternal peace and reunited with those who have passed before him.

His Visitation will be held on Monday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston.  Burial with Military Honors will be held in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carmino’s memory may be made to Rhode Island Hospital. Checks can be made out to Rhode Island Hospital Foundation and mailed to PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901. Or please visit https://giving.lifespan.org/RIH/Support-RIH to give a gift online in his memory.