Thomas J. Bottone

92, November 2, 2026, is the day we lost our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Married for sixty-seven years to Ann (Scungio) Bottone, Tom was a man of faith and an adoring father to his children Thomas Bottone, Jr. (Pauline), David Bottone (Allyson), Susan Pagliarini (John), and Steven Bottone (Jessica). Tom’s love for his four grandchildren, Sara (Pagliarini) Hanson, Mathew Pagliarini, Nicholas Bottone, and Isabelle Bottone was unmatched. Tom is survived by his sister, Lucy Zodda, and was brother to the late Pasquale, Joseph and Bernard Bottone.

Tom proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959, including time in the South Pacific during nuclear testing. Recognized as an “Atomic Veteran,” he was also a disabled veteran.

A man of remarkable skill and ingenuity, Tom earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Industrial Arts from Rhode Island College. He went on to inspire generations of students at Barrington High School, where he served as Chair of the Industrial Arts Department. He was also a proud member of the National Education Association and the Rhode Island Industrial Arts Teachers Association.

Tom’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom to Bottone’s Driving School, where he taught countless individuals to drive. With his outgoing personality and wonderful sense of humor, Tom made friends wherever he went. He especially enjoyed reconnecting with former students and basking in their success.

Following his retirement from teaching, Tom and his wife, Ann, went on to operate the former Open Gate Motel in Warwick. They welcomed guests from near and far, including many performers from the Warwick Musical Theatre. While Ann extended her warm hospitality to their guests, Tom worked tirelessly behind the scenes, drawing on his exceptional craftsmanship and mechanical expertise to keep the motel running smoothly.

In his later years, friends and family continued to seek guidance from the man who could build, repair, or figure out anything. He was always willing to share his knowledge or lend a helping hand.

A longtime resident of West Warwick, Rhode Island, Tom spent his winters enjoying the sunshine and friendships he cherished in Lake Suzy, Florida. For decades, he eagerly anticipated his annual journey south.

Above all, nothing meant more to Tom than his family. His love, wisdom, and unwavering devotion will remain a lasting part of his legacy. Though he will be dearly missed, there is no doubt that he is already sharing his Industrial Arts expertise with the angels and teaching them how to drive from one cloud to another.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday morning from 8:30 – 10:00 am.