Glen R. Badessa

52, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved partner of Mario Hilario. Born in Providence, he was a son of Dolores (Sbardella) Badessa and the late Rosario “Roy” Badessa.

Glen is also survived by his dear siblings, the late Gail Badessa, Paula Badessa-Kriticos and her husband Dimitri of Scituate, and Gary Badessa and his fiancée Jerri Calenda of Johnston, as well as nieces Kryssa and Aria Kriticos and nephew Andreas Kriticos. He is also survived by his beloved dog Rocco and loved his dearly departed puppy Alex.

Glen had an amazing thirst for life that was both infectious and inspiring. He had a biting wit and loved to make people laugh, with a magnetizing personality that drew you in from the start. Every situation Glen entered into was made better because of his energy and enthusiasm and every life he touched was made infinitely richer by his generous spirit and bright light. His passion for cooking and sense of style were hallmark characteristics of a man whose occupation was focused on physical appearance but who cared much more about one’s beauty within. Glen had a heart of gold with a capacity to love that had no boundaries. A kind and compassionate soul, he loved family and friends above all else. He doted on his beloved Mario and Rocco, as well as his loving mother Dolores. He was a devoted brother to his siblings and an adoring uncle to his nieces and nephews. As a friend, there was no one more giving, loyal and true than Glen Badessa.

Glen had a rich and varied professional background that spanned over thirty years. After starting his career as a hairstylist, he then entered the corporate world as an educator with Sebastian of Rhode Island. But eventually Glen needed a greater outlet for his immense talent and creativity, and bravely set out on his own.

He founded his own company, Immortal Cosmetics, creating a successful makeup line that was always on the cutting edge of beauty and fashion. In addition to running his company, Glen also worked as a master makeup artist. While his specialty was bridal makeup, Glen's expertise also extended into film and television, working as a consultant and makeup artist for WPRI-TV, Channel 12 as well as Rhode Island PBS. He also worked on numerous commercials, and was tapped to do makeup for several Rhode Island political figures for their debates and other television appearances, both local and national. Glen was registered with the Rhode Island Film Commission and built up a reputation with numerous directors and photographers that placed him in high demand.

Glen's hard work and success did not go unnoticed. He was featured in numerous publications including the highly regarded Bridal Issue of Rhode Island monthly, the pages of Providence Monthly, and the cover of Lifebeat in the Providence Journal.

Glen also donated his great artistic talent and exceptional organizational skills to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for many charitable causes over the years. He volunteered for Spurwink RI, an agency that serves adults and children with developmental disabilities; served on the gala committee for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care of Rhode Island; and danced many years to help raise money for the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership. Glen’s Immortal Cosmetics and makeup services were also featured items at hundreds of charity auctions over the years.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Gail Badessa Memorial Fund c/o Spurwink RI, 935 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910. Make checks payable to Spurwink RI/GB Fund.