Denise D'Abate Orton

85, of Narragansett passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, family, friendship, and service to others.

Denise was woman of extraordinary intelligence, grace, humor, and determination. She devoted much of her life to helping others, particularly children, establishing and serving as President of the NEARI Children’s Fund to assist children in need. She gave generously of her time and energy to those less fortunate, never seeking recognition. Helping others was simply part of who she was. Denise was also a devoted lover of animals.

Brilliant and curious, Denise endlessly engaged with the world around her. She had a remarkable command of the English language and was a gifted writer. She loved genealogy and took immense pleasure in discovering the histories of her ancestors. Denise also had an extraordinary gift of bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome and valued.

Denise’s quick wit and sense of humor were legendary. An avid Jeopardy! viewer, she especially enjoyed defeating her husband, Jack, when they played along at home. Denise was playful and had an infectious positive spirit that brought laughter and joy to those around her.

Though petite, she possessed an independent spirit, boundless determination, and a can-do attitude that made her difficult to deter.

Denise also enjoyed cooking and baking. Food, like so much else in Denise’s life, was an expression of love. She appreciated and valued all of life’s simple pleasures—especially morning coffee and Dunkin’ Munchkins while looking out over Narragansett Bay. She cherished memories of childhood summers at her family’s beach house in Bonnet Shores.

Raised in a political family, Denise was deeply patriotic and believed strongly that voting was both a privilege and a responsibility, and everyone had a duty to make their voice heard.

Above all, Denise treasured her family. She adored her parents, Senator William and Elizabeth (Bond) D’Abate, and cherished the loving relationships she shared with her siblings, Ida, Bernice, William, John, Richard, and Davida. She was a loving mother to her daughters, Karen Soderi (Paul) and Sheila Felice. She was a devoted grandmother to Dan Felice (Alex), and a proud great-grandmother to Hudson Albert, who brought her immeasurable joy. She was also a loving stepmother to John Orton, Richard Orton, Christopher Orton (Elizabeth), and their children and grandchildren.

Denise was predeceased by her beloved husband, the Honorable John E. “Jack” Orton III, and her cherished grandson, Nicholas. She was formerly married to Albert G. Felice.

Denise had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. She was deeply loyal, generous with her time, and genuinely interested in others. She had a way of making people feel welcome and valued.

Those fortunate enough to know and love Denise will remember her intelligence and humor, her generosity and independent spirit, and her remarkable ability to find joy in life and share it with others.

Her legacy lives on in the people she loved, the lives she touched and her kindness and compassion, which she gave so freely. Denise will be profoundly missed and forever loved!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 14 at 11 am at St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland Street, Narragansett, RI 02882. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the William D’Abate Memorial School, 60 Kossuth Street, Providence, RI 02909.