William Flori, Jr.

85, of Providence, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2017, after a brief illness. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Olindo “William” and Chesira “Jessie” (Manzotti) Flori.

Bill was a US Army veteran serving during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was employed by the former Tilden-Thurber Jewelers in downtown Providence from 1954-1991, where he worked his way up from watch repair estimator to watch repairer, diamond and fine jewelry salesman and finally to watch and clock buyer. While working there, Bill earned the title of Registered Jeweler in the American Gem Society and was a member of the Gemological Institute of America as a diamond grader and evaluator.

After Tilden-Thurber closed, Bill worked as a salesman at Apponaug Color and Hobby Shop in Warwick, until age 77. He enjoyed the hobbies and scale model trains and shipbuilding. He became friends with many of his customers, who shared those interests.

Bill is survived by his brother Joseph A. Flori, with whom he resided, as well as several nieces and nephews: Denise Tomasso and her husband, Philip Hippert; Joseph Flori, Jr. and his wife, Paula; Alfred Flori and his wife, Rebecca; Thomas  Tomasso and his wife, Jeanne; and Christina Rutter and her husband, Michael. He was the brother of the late Jeanette Tomasso.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS TUESDAY 6-8 p.m.