Gemma A. (DiPietro) Dean

Ninety-seven of Cranston passed peacefully on Wednesday August 26th, 2026.

Gemma will be lovingly guided in her transition by her late father, Santo DiPietro; her mother, Antonetta (Lana) DiPietro; her brothers, Eligio, Osvaldo, and Alfio DiPietro; her sisters, Rita Simonelli and Elena Gemma; and her in-laws, Anthony Simonelli, Mary DiPietro, Roberta DiPietro, and Evelyn DiPietro. She will also be remembered in spirit alongside her lifelong friend, Mary Simeone, and her estranged husband, Hal Dean.

Gemma was born on Federal Hill in Providence and was a graduate of Central High School. She lived a life defined by kindness, quiet strength, and deep devotion to her family. She had a life filled with amazing accomplishments and overcame overwhelming challenges with dignity and perseverance. Gemma shattered the "Glass Ceiling" Long before most people even realized it existed. She was accounts administrator, program director, then business manager for WLKW - B101.5 Radio Station. She enjoyed a long and prosperous career with that company. She had a deep respect and affection for all she worked with there.

She was known for her warm heart, steady presence, and the way she made other people feel about themselves. Whether through a thoughtful word, a gentle smile, or a helping hand, she touched countless lives with sincerity and grace.

Gemma found joy in simple moments- sharing stories, playing cards, offering guidance, and creating a home filled with love. Her legacy lives on in three current generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins whose lives she helped shape with the traditions she nurtured, the etiquette she taught, and the memories she shared. Gemma influenced our lives by providing support when we wanted it, guidance when we requested it, comfort when we needed it, discipline when we required it, and always framing it with respect and love. Her memory will always be cherished by everyone blessed by knowing her.

Gemma's family would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you and express our appreciation to her caregivers: Cindy, Sheree, Kathy, and Priscilla for their exceptional devotion to her needs and their emotional support for us all.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston St., Cranston. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.