Dr. Richard A. Mottola

Dr. Richard A. Mottola 83, of Cranston, entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 14, 2015. He was the beloved husband of Lillian (Monopoli) Mottola for 59 years. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Umberto and Genovena (Marcello) Mottola. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1950, where he was a member of the track team, fencing team, and also an Anthony Medal winner. His professional degrees include a Bachelor of Education from Rhode Island College in 1954 where he was a member of the soccer and track teams, a Master of Education from Boston University in 1958, and a PhD from the University of Connecticut in 1970. He was also a grant recipient in Biology from the National Science Foundation in 1959. Dr. Mottola began his career in education as an elementary school teacher in the Cranston School Department from 1954 - 1960, and then as a reading specialist in the Coventry School Department from 1960 - 1966. In 1966 he served as a principal of five schools in the Bristol School department until 1971, and then as the principal of the Kenyon Street School in Providence from 1971-1973. He was principal of the Rhode Island Training School from 1973-1974, and served as Education Specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Corrections from 1974 until his retirement in 1990. Regarded as a highly respected educator, he was also admired for his years of service to his community, most notably for his support of the Boy Scouts of America. His interest in the Boy Scouts began as a young child, when he was a Cub Scout in Pack 99, Providence. He went on to attain the rank of Eagle Scout with all members of Troup 99, Providence where he eventually served as Scoutmaster. He was also a recipient of the Scoutmasters Key, Bucklin Medal, Arrowhead, Wincheck, and Knight of Yawgoog awards. In 2011 Camp Yawgoog recognized his many contributions to the Boy Scouts by dedicating one of three pavilions at the Campcraft Center in his honor. Dr. Mottola served as a member of the Cranston School Committee (1971-1982), Vice Chairman of the Charter Review Commission, and as a former Lieutenant of the Cranston Emergency Police (1970-1990). He was also a member of the Pine Tree Gun Club, the National Rifle Association, and an honorary member of the Florida Sheriff's Association. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and served as a lector at St. Mary's Church, Cranston. In addition to his professional accomplishments and commitment to community, Dr. Mottola was a loyal husband, father, and friend. He was dedicated to each of his five children, encouraging each to find their own path. He also demonstrated great compassion for the many people that entered his home and for those he met regularly at Dunkin' Donuts. His friends were diverse and many. He was creative, intelligent, and wildly entertaining with his eccentric manner. His passing leaves this world with a little less brilliance. He is survived by five loving children, Margaret M. Menna and her husband Joseph of Cranston, Richard A. Mottola and Kristin Begley of Sarasota Florida, Paul E. Mottola of Cranston, Patricia Mottola and her husband, Michael Potts of Independence, KY, and Ann L. Mottola of Alameda, CA. He was the cherished grandfather of Richard A. Mottola, Christopher D. Mottola, and Kristen M. Menna. He was the brother of John Mottola, Janice Walsh, and the late Margaret Coogan, Angie Ricci, Leonard, William, Rudolph, and Nicholas Mottola. His funeral will be held on Saturday, from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, at 9:00 a.m.followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cranston. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Friday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Mottola's memory may be made to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 St. Vincent de Paul Food Center, 181 Princess Ave., Cranston, RI 02920 Narragansett Council - Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 14777, 10 Risho Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914

---