William M. Oates

93, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Coventry Center Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.  He was the beloved husband of Gloria (Ellbey) Oates.  Born in Providence, he was the son of the late William and Esther (Whittingham) Oates.

William worked for the Engineering Department at Brown University for many years before his retirement.  He was a U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Veteran serving two tours during WWII and then the Korean War.  He received a WWII Victory Medal in 1947 as well as 2 Bronze Star Medals in 1948.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Mark Giannattasio, (Retired Detective Cranston Police Department) and his wife Michelle of Sterling, CT, and Christopher Giannattasio of Cranston; cherished grandchildren Christina Giannattasio Allen, Sheri Giannattasio and great grandchildren Zachary Allen, Mackenzie Allen, Rosalea Chevalier.  He was the brother of the late Ruth Card.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service with Military Honors at R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter on Friday at 11:00 a.m.  Family will gather at the gates of the Cemetery at 10:45 a.m.