Melvin L. Woodruff, Ret. PPD

82, of Providence, RI, formerly of Chepachet born in Siloam Springs Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 21 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Barbara R. (Papa) Woodruff. He was the son of the late Glen and Margaret (Blaylock) Woodruff. Melvin is survived by his three sisters Barbara, Celia, Verna, and one brother Victor. He was predeceased by his siblings, Imogene, Walter, Nadine, Robert and Dwight.

Besides his wife he leaves behind two children. Steven Woodruff and wife Gina of North Providence and Karen (Woodruff) Barth and husband Richard I of Providence. Melvin leaves behind five grandchildren Kyle Woodruff of North Providence, Richard Barth II of Providence, Robert Barth of Pasadena, MD, Kristen Barth-Cafaro of North Providence and Jordan Zanni of North Providence. As well as six great-grandchildren Jena, Robert II, Kaylee, Elena, Valentina, and Richard III.

Melvin served four years in the Navy as a Seabee after which he served 21 years as a Providence Police Officer retiring at the rank of Detective Sergeant. Melvin went on to work for the State of Rhode Island as a Senior Narcotics Inspector retiring in 1995. Melvin also served as U.S. Marshall. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the Commissioned Police Officer Association.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave, Cranston on Saturday at 9:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Pius Church, 55 Elmhurst Avenue, Providence. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Friday from 4 - 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman St. Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.