Michael J. Rachiele (Ret. Lt. PFD)

72, of Hope, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at RI Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Jane (Chapman) Rachiele. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marita (Cavanaugh) Rachiele; loving children, Joseph M. Rachiele and his fiancée Caitlin Conte, Michaela C. Rachiele, and Kaitlyn A. Rachiele; cherished grandson Gabriel J. Rachiele; dear friends Jane Ann Chapman, John Cicilline and Ronald Cascione. He was the dear brother of the late Timothy J. Rachiele.

Michael was a firefighter for the Providence Fire Dept. for 21 years, retiring as Lieutenant. He then became an educator at Cranston High School East for over 25 years. Michael was a girls basketball coach at Cranston East, Pilgrim High School as well as Cranston GALS Softball. He also loved to cook and entertain with his family and closest friends, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Providence College Friars.

Michael will be remembered as a man who found great joy in the people he loved and in the moments they shared together. He especially loved traveling with his wife and best friend, Marita, and looked forward to their annual trip to New York City with their close friends.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial is private. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to: Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at www.t2t.org.