Serafino F. -Sam- Raponi

88, of North Providence, previously of Providence, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2014 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, North Providence. He was the beloved husband of the late Anna (Manera) Raponi. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Lauterio and Anna (Aquino) Raponi. Mr. Raponi was a Ret. Providence Police Officer and a WW II Navy veteran where he fought in the Pacific Theatre. Sam was one of the first FOP Presidents for the Providence Police Department, and was an intricate part of establishing their collective bargaining and organizing the union.
He was a member of the DAV Chapter 21, North Providence and the VFW Post 2812, Cranston. Sam was an avid Boston Red Sox fan; he loved life, race horses, old movies, music and loved telling stories of his eventful life.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Carol Healey and her husband Stephen of Providence, his siblings, Anthony Raponi of Warwick, Ralph Raponi of North Providence and Nancy Mallette of CA. He was also the brother of the late Frank Raponi and Natalie Procaccini.
His funeral will be held on Friday at 9:15 am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:15 am in St. Paul's Church, One St. Paul Place, Cranston. Burial with military honors will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Thursday 4-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to: Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI 02907 .

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