Ursula Margaret (LaRocco) Kennedy

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend, Ursula Margaret Kennedy, 90, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026.

Born on August 7, 1935, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ursula was the daughter of the late Carmela (Buccieri) LaRocco and John LaRocco of Ansonia, Connecticut.

Ursula lived and grew up in Ansonia, Connecticut, until her early twenties. After living in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Connecticut (again), her family finally settled in Rhode Island in the early 1970s. After earning a two-year degree at a business school, Ursula had worked as a bookkeeper at a bank until the birth of her first child. Later in life, once her children were grown, she got her real estate license and opened her own business with a partner. Eventually, Ursula retired from Santander Bank as a customer service representative in the late 1990s.

Ursula loved to travel, cherished music, and carried great pride in her Italian-Sicilian heritage throughout her life. She was also a proud member of the RI Nichiren Buddhist Community for more than twenty years, where she found deep meaning and lifelong friendships. Ursula lived life to the fullest, finding joy in both life’s adventures and its simplest moments. Her vibrant spirit, sense of humor, and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Above all, Ursula was a loving and devoted mother and an exceptional friend whose greatest joy came from caring for those she loved. Kind, selfless, and compassionate, she had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel loved. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love made the world a better place for everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her parents, Ursula was preceded in death by her four siblings, Nunzio LaRocco, Angelo LaRocco, Joseph LaRocco, and Grace (LaRocco) Polis.

Ursula will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Lisa (Vellturo) Miele, Anthony Vellturo, Adam Vellturo, and Jonathan Vellturo; her three grandchildren, Brett Vellturo, Bee Vellturo, and Arianna Miele; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at HopeHealth for the compassionate care and support they provided during Ursula’s final days.

A celebration of Ursula’s life will be held at a later date.