Dr. Francis J. Pescosolido

Francis J. Pescosolido, Ph.D., MPH, LICSW, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 8, 2025 at South County Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Associate Justice Debra E. DiSegna of the RI Family Court. Born in Providence on June 28, 1950, he was the devoted son of Teresa M. Pescosolido (Maini) and Joseph L. Pescosolido. He is also survived by his son, Dr. Matthew F. Pescosolido and his wife, Dr. Katherine M. Pescosolido and by his loving grandson, Luke H. Pescosolido, the true light of his life, whom he adored. He was the loving older brother of Dr. Bernice A. Pescosolido of Bloomington, Indiana and Mr. Robert J. Pescosolido of Mountain View, California and the late Bernard E. Pescosolido. He leaves many loving nieces and nephews.

Dr. Pescosolido was a proud graduate of Springfield College class of 1972. He later earned a Master of Education from Springfield College, a Master of Social Work from Simmons College, a Master of Public Health from Harvard University, and a Doctorate from Boston College. He dedicated more than forty years to the private practice of individual psychotherapy. His professional career began at The Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital in 1973 and continued intermittently where he served in various capacities including Behavioral Health Specialist, Clinical Social Worker, Director of the Sexual Abuse Clinic and since 2012, as Consultant in the Child/Adolescent and Family Psychological Trauma Inpatient Service.

“Dr. P”, as he was affectionately referred to by many, both at Bradley Hospital and by countless private psychotherapy patients, greatly valued the privilege of providing clinical care to children, families, individuals and couples. Throughout his professional career, Dr. Pescosolido held academic appointments at numerous universities including Harvard Medical School, Boston University, and Simmons College culminating in his appointment as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University since 2005.

Dr. Henry T. Sachs, President of Bradley Hospital, recently described Dr. Pescosolido at the time of his passing as being “an indispensable member of the Children’s Inpatient Unit team, always requested to consult on the most challenging clinical situations. As well as the children and their families, the staff came to see Frank as a person of uncommon wisdom, thoughtfulness and humanity. The very beating heart of the Children’s Inpatient Unit. He also proved himself to be among our best supervisors, imparting to generations of providers the skills and awareness needed to support some of the most vulnerable among us. He was universally appreciated as a mentor and lecturer.”

Dr. Pescosolido was honored to be the recipient of many professional awards throughout his career including Clinical Social Worker of the Year (Children and Families), by the National Association of Social Workers (Rhode Island Chapter); Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award, by The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior; and most recently, The Irena B. Smith Award for Excellence in Clinical Social Work and Counseling, by Bradley Hospital.

As Michele Gessman, LICSW, Clinical Director of Social Work and Counseling at Bradley Hospital said of Dr. P during the award ceremony in March of 2025, “Frank consistently displays seemingly endless empathy for our patients and has a natural ability to connect with his young patients to foster an environment of trust and understanding. His clinical skills are outstanding, providing effective and compassionate care that truly makes a difference for some of our most vulnerable patients. As a supervisor, Frank excels in offering guidance and support, empowering others to grow professionally while maintaining a compassionate and collaborative approach. His teaching skills are also outstanding, as he shares knowledge with enthusiasm and clarity, helping to shape the next generation of social workers and psychiatrists.”

Frank spent his formative years living in the Town of East Greenwich which forever held a special place in his heart. He never missed an opportunity to take a “ride through town” and was deeply honored when he was inducted into the East Greenwich High School Wall of Honor in 2020. He enjoyed collecting antiques, tending to his flowers, trips to Nantucket and Maine, and had a knack for making people laugh. He often could be seen in the pool or on the deck of his most recent favorite spot, The Bonnet Shores Beach Club. He found happiness in giving, taking care of his family, being “Poppy” to his grandson Luke and will especially be missed for his warm hugs. He leaves behind a legacy of making others feel safe, validated, seen, comforted, understood and loved.

Relatives, friends and all who knew Dr. P are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Veronica Chapel on 1035 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI 02882. Funeral will be at 9:00 am from Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Avenue. Inurnment will be at St. Ann Cemetery, 73 Church St., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920. Calling Hours: Monday, June 23, 2025 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Nardolillo Funeral Home, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Bradley Hospital, Development Office, 1011 Veteran’s Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI 02915.