Michael Soscia, Jr.

On August 6, 2026, Michael Soscia, Jr., 68, of Cranston, Rhode Island, was chosen to lead God’s landscaping crew in Heaven. Michael is now in charge of the tractor and lawnmower divisionand will forever oversee the care and maintenance of God’s green lawns and pastures.

Michael was the son of Michael Soscia Sr. and Pauline Eve Benjamin Soscia, both of whom are deceased. He is survived by his sister, Amy Soscia Paloski and her husband Paul Paloski, Jr.

Michael spent his early years in Cranston and moved to North Scituate in 1972. He lived with his parents until 2003, whenboth parents passed away within a year of each other. Hereturned to Cranston and lived there for the next twenty-threeyears. This past April, he moved to West Shore Health Center because of serious health problems from ALS.

To his great credit, Michael always had a strong work ethic. His first job was working for a trash hauling company as a trashcollector. This is probably where he developed his tendency to “collect” things. After that, he worked as a semi-skilled laborer at Rhode Island Resources Recovery for eleven years until his job was eliminated during a company downsizing. He continued to collect things, especially tools, yard equipment, lawnmowers,and tractors.

Michael did yard work for friends and neighbors and developed a loyal following. His love for being outside and taking care of people’s yards came from watching his father, a bulldozer operator, literally move the earth.

Until its recent permanent closure, the Kelley Gazzerro VFW 2812 Post in Cranston was Michael’s favorite place to hang out after a long day of working outdoors. He enjoyed a few drinks and talking to people, but he especially enjoyed singingKaraoke. On the nights Tony Weaver offered Karaoke, he encouraged Michael to sing. More recently, when Michael was struggling to walk, Tony went to Michael’s house and took him out so he could sing his favorite KISS songs at whichever bar most of the gang from the Post had migrated to.

Michael was affectionately known as “Mike the Bike” because he rode a bicycle for most of his adult life. In 2019, he was hit by a careless driver, was severely injured, and was never able to ride a bicycle again. After that, he either walked or drove one of his lawn tractors around town.

Michael lived in a house with the help and support of his sister, Amy, who was there for him whenever he needed her and evenwhen he didn’t. He told everyone that he had a “love-hate” relationship with her, but despite always giving her a hard time, she was the one he called whenever he needed help. Together, Tom Fay, Michael’s legal guardian, and Amy ensured that Michael had whatever he needed to live his best life.

Everyone in the neighborhood either knew Michael or knew of him. He valued being a friend to others and was generous with his time and muscles, helping anyone who asked him for a favor.

Gail Dooley was like a sister to Michael. She took him to his doctor’s appointments, did his grocery shopping, and often took him to the tractor supply store to buy parts for his tractor and lawnmower collection. Gail always had Michael’s back, and Michael called her just about every day. Their friendship wasn’t one-sided either, because when he wasn’t making her laugh, he was passing along tidbits of lawnmower knowledge so she could speak his language.

Dan Rafferty, Michael’s neighbor, was one of Michael’s closestfriends. Dan always made time to listen to Michael, even ifMichael called him ten times a day. And Dan fixed an endless number of things and never lost his patience. His friendship was a tremendous gift!

When Michael became too sick to leave his house, Dan’s wife, Winona, brought him coffee and food. She made sure he had something to eat before she went on about her busy day. Her kindness made him feel good when his health was deterioratingand his world was shrinking.

Michael’s friends Louis Calenda, owner of Harriet’s Kitchen,and Michael Martino were also extremely generous, checking in on him, bringing him food, and even giving him an occasional haircut. John Gaspar helped him with his cell phone and visited often. Jackie and Stacey got him whatever he needed. So many people did so much to help Michael live his best life. There wereothers who helped, too many to list. He appreciated what people did to help him, even if he didn’t say it.

Life can be hard, but it is the kindness of a friend, a thoughtful gesture, a simple deed, or a gift from the heart that means so much, especially when it comes at the right moment. Michael struggled most of his life, but now his struggle is over. May he rest in peace.

Visiting hours will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, with words of remembrance being offered at 7:00 pm. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory can be made to:

ALS United Rhode Island

2374 Post Rd. #103

Warwick, RI 02886

401-732-1609

www.alsunitedri.org

Or

Meeting Street

1000 Eddy St.

Providence, RI 02905

401-533-9100

www.meetingstreet.org