Giovanni (John) "Mickey Mouse" Placella

93, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 27, 2017, at  Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Russo) Placella.  Born in Prata Sanita, Caserta, Italy, he was a son of the late Matteo and Maria (Russo) Placella.  He came to this country in 1950.  Giovanni was the owner and operator of the former Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Co. until his retirement. He was a veteran of the Italian Army. He was an avid Red Sox fan.  Mushrooming was his passion, along with gardening, cooking and especially spending quality time with his family.

He was the beloved father of Evelyn DiCostanzo of Cranston, Lucia Ault (Charles) of Warwick and Joseph Placella of Providence.  He was predeceased by his children John Placella, Jr. and Patricia Walker.  He was the father in-law of Jeffrey Viveiros, William Walker and the late Dennis DiCostanzo.  Giovanni was the cherished grandfather of Deborah Perrotta (Richard), David DiCostanzo (Nicole), Nicholas Placella, Gianna Merolla, Andrew and Amanda Walker.  He was the great-grandfather of Matthew, Anthony and Isabella Perrotta,  and Alana DiCostanzo who he adored.  He also leaves behind 3 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren.  Giovanni was the dear brother of Evelina Riccio of Cranston and the late Eugenio, Emelio, Fabio, Salvatore, Tomasso, and Antonio Placella.  He was the brother in-law of Antonetta, Maria and Lucia Placella, Mr. and Mrs. Placido Femino, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Russo and the late Francesco Riccio.  Giovanni also leaves many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

His funeral will be held on Friday at 8:45 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston at 10 am. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday 4-7 p.m. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000-Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.