George J. Boitano

92, of Narragansett, RI, passed away peacefully at home in Narragansett, RI, on October 16, 2025. Born in Providence on December 5, 1932, he was the son of John and Ida (Barchi) Boitano and grew up in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence with his five siblings, John (Phyllis), Joan Petrone (Al), Barbara Rouse, Robert and Peter. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, M. Patricia (DiSarro) in 2011, and is survived by his four children – George, John (Roxane Teboul-Boitano), Anthony, and Margaret (Robert Maddestra Jr.). He had four beloved grandchildren: MaÏa Cooper (Clay), Ren Kelly, Delphine Boitano, and George F. Boitano. Over the past three years he was overjoyed to welcome three great grandchildren: Weston James, Theodore and Caroline Cooper.

A proud graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, George was a formidable football player known as “The Mount Pleasant Flash.” After earning an undergraduate degree from URI and a master’s degree from Rhode Island College, he spent over 30 years inspiring students as a physical education teacher at Nelson Street Elementary School, George West Middle School, and Classical High School. It was at the Nelson Street School where he first met an attractive English teacher named Pat who would become the love of his life.

George’s zest for life extended well beyond the classroom. He exercised daily, learning to ice skate at 45, and to sail at 55. He was also a lifelong learner. After retiring, he became a licensed physical therapist assistant. He loved sailing Narragansett Bay aboard his Catalina sloop, the Genesis, often joined by family and friends.

He proudly served as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was a devout Catholic. He volunteered with Amos House, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a long-time parishioner at St. Augustine Church in Providence, and later, at Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea in Narragansett.

George was also an enthusiastic entrepreneur, running amusement park games at Rocky Point and Jolly Cholly’s, managing concessions at the Providence Civic Center and Veterans Memorial Auditorium, and operating vending machines across Rhode Island. His ventures were often extended family affairs, bringing together generations in joyful, albeit sometimes reluctant, collaboration.

Cheerful, hopeful, and deeply devoted to his family, George lived with gratitude and grace. His funeral will be held Wednesday, October 22 at 9:45am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME and Crematory - SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial with Military Honors will be in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. VISITING HOURS Tuesday from 4-7pm.