Carmine R. DiPetrillo, Associate Justice RI Family Court

Carmine R. DiPetrillo, retired Associate Justice Rhode Island Family Court, passed away on September 26, 2021 at his home in Florida. He was a devoted public servant to the State of Rhode Island, a caring friend, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The second of five children born to John and Modesta “Molly” (Vessella) DiPetrillo, Carmine grew up in the Olneyville section of Providence, working in the family-owned ice cream business and attending Providence public schools. After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School and entering Boston University, he served in the United States Army in Korea, returning to receive degrees in Business Administration and Law.

Following graduation, Carmine was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar and entered into a law practice with his uncles, Anthony DiPetrillo and Henry DiMascolo.

Judge DiPetrillo began his political career in Providence, running for Council in the 4th Ward and State Representative in the 7th District. In 1962, he was elected State Representative from Warwick, serving in the Rhode Island General Assembly for more than a decade.

In 1974, Carmine was appointed as a judge to the Rhode Island Family Court, where he served honorably for more than 20 years. During his time on the bench, Judge DiPetrillo approached his decisions with a deep understanding of the law and a sense of humility for the responsibility granted to him by his position.

Judge DiPetrillo is survived by his wife and best friend of 72 years, Norma (Innocente) DiPetrillo, two children, Robert “Bob” DiPetrillo and Carmen Carpenter, son-in-law, Joseph “Joe” Carpenter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was a loving brother to Raymond DiPetrillo, Gloria Geczi and the late John DiPetrillo and Angela Corsi.  His family and friends will always remember his values of hard work and honesty; his love of good food, a lively political discussion, and the game of golf; and his untiring commitment to Norma, his children, and grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick on Monday, October 4th at 11 a.m.  Burial will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Ocean Tides, 635 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.