Thomas D. Paolo

70, of Venice Avenue, passed away peacefully surrounded by his adoring family on Thursday after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. He was the beloved husband of 48 years to Donna (Grant) Paolo. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Domenic and Elizabeth Paolo and was a resident of Johnston for 70 years. Tom was a Sargent in the Army Reserves, a volunteer on the Johnston Fire Department, and a Special on the Johnston Police Force. He also was a member of the Local 99 IBEW. He worked most of his life as an Electrical Contractor before retiring in April of 2012. Tom was a life-long parishioner and usher at St. Rocco Church in Johnston. He had an extremely generous spirit not only donating to countless charities but also on a daily basis with his family and friends. Besides being with his family, Tom was the happiest on the golf course with his "golfing buddies" in Rhode Island and Florida. Last summer he was overjoyed when he participated in a foursome with his three grandsons. He was an avid motorcyclist and loved taking long rides on his Harley. Tom leaves three daughters and their husbands, Michele and Joseph Calabrese, Lori and Nicky Croce, and Audra and John Foran. He also leaves three grandsons Nicholas, Tommy and Joey. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond and his wife Elaine and sister, Martha and her husband, Walter Gagnon. Preceded by his death was his late brother, Robert. He also had many loving nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave., Cranston on Monday between the hours of 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, with a funeral from the funeral home on Tuesday at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Rocco Church, Johnston. Burial will be private. Kindly omit flowers. Please make donations to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ariel Birnbaum Fund, APC Building, 2nd Floor, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903.

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