DAMIANI, MICHAEL J.,
63, of Willett Avenue, Riverside, died unexpectedly on September 8, 2018. He was the beloved husband and perfect counterpart to Sharlene (Wagoner) Damiani.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Louis and Cecelia (Blouin) Damiani, he was a lifelong resident of Riverside.Mr. Damiani was a Sergeant for the East Providence Police Department for 17 years before retiring in 1996. He was a cop's cop and loved every second of being on the job. He was a great mentor to many and stayed involved with EPPD long after his health issues pushed him into retirement. Mike truly bled blue.Senator Damiani was a colorful and effective member of the Rhode Island State Senate for ten years serving from 1996 until his retirement in 2006. He served the Senate as the Deputy Majority Leader. As a Rhode Island State Senator he was instrumental in establishing the State's registry of sex offenders, Lyme Disease health insurance coverage, and the mandatory defibrillators for all Rhode Island College buildings and police cars.Mike was a Patriot Member of the NRA. He was also a member of the East Providence F.O.P, the Riverside Bishop Hickey Knights of Columbus, the Rhode Island State Bomb Squad and the National Association of State Boaters Law Administrators. He was a dive master, specializing in underwater body recoveries, and started the Search and Rescue Team for the EPPD.Mike was a firearms instructor, sniper on the SWAT Team, and an arson investigator. He was also a Range Master at the Massasoit Gun Club. He was an accomplished stick, TIG, and MIG welder and enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting. Mike's accomplishments and interests earned him many accolades, yet he always considered the closeness and connection of his nuclear family to be his greatest achievement.He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud papa. Mike loved nothing more than sitting in his recliner and conversing with his family and friends. He was the perfect complement to his wife Sharlene and together there was nothing that they couldn't do. He had a unique and special bond with each of his three children and provided them with more of an education than their collective schooling. He absolutely lit up when his grandchildren entered the room and his pale blue eyes often filled up when speaking about them. Mike was as tough as they come but an absolute marshmallow with those that he loved most. He was the gold standard father and could fix any bad day with his Art Metrano act or one of his hugs. "Hugs are free and they make people feel better."Mike was everyone's "go to" guy and could be called upon for anything from assistance with your car's carburetor, help with your child's physics homework, or mending fences with a neighbor. He was always a willing sounding board and was known to go above and beyond for complete strangers. Mike was immensely intelligent, well-rounded, and knowledgeable in a vast array of areas. He was a proud Riversidian and was deeply devoted to the community in which his parents raised him and he in turn chose to raise his own family.Besides his wife of 40 years, he is survived by his children, Michael J. Damiani Jr and his wife Isabel of Attleboro, MA, Jennifer L. Damiani of Riverside, and Christine M. Damiani of East Providence; four grandchildren, Evelyn, Jocelyn, Lucas, and Joseph Damiani; a brother, Steven R, Damiani and his wife Linda of Barrington; a sister in-law, Elaine Damiani of Naples, FL and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Dr. Louis M. Damiani.His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME. 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:30 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Brendan's Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 A.M. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday 4-7 P.M.Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Mike to New England C. O. P. S., P.O. Box 13, Somerville, MA, 02143.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by W.R. Watson Funeral Home.
The years may pass but the memory lives on. Shine on.
Robin Dufresne
Friend
September 6, 2021
Dear Sharlene and Family,
We just recently learned that Mike passed away. We are so very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed running into Mike here or there. He was always friendly and went out of his way to say hello. We loved catching up with him. He will be sorely missed. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May he rest in peace with the Good Lord.
Janet & Kevin Miller
September 25, 2018
Shailene and family we are so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. You two were an amazing couple and worked together to do so much good for the community, helping families and many individuals. We will always be so very grateful what you both did for Chuck when he was so sick going above and beyond making sure we all had everything we needed.. God Bless you and your family
Charles and Wanda Collins
September 14, 2018
Sharlene n Children: We are saddened to learn of your loss. Our condolences to you all. Our Prayers are with you!
James, Joanne, n Jessaca
Joanne Botta-Palumbo
September 14, 2018
Sharlene & family Mike is a great man who I knew as a young East Providence police officer while I was a Rhode island capital police officer then when he was a state senator always had a smile & a good joke he was old school he will be dearly missed you & your family will be in my prayers.
Bill HABERSHAW
September 13, 2018
Jen and family,
Please accept our condolences and prayers.
Donna & Chuck
Donna & Chuck Cobb
September 13, 2018
Since we were teenagers hanging at the "Corner" you have made memories that will never leave me. Going off to NYC for breakfast with Clarkie at 2:30am. Pulling pranks. You were the best man at my wedding. You were the mystery man that plowed my driveway. The guy I grew up with had a lot of titles over the years. To me you will always be "My friend Michael" To Sharlene, Michael, Jennifer and Christine, there are no words of comfort I can say to ease the pain. But know that he was a good man that did good in the world. To the newest star in the night sky. Shine on.
Robin Dufesne
September 12, 2018
Sharlene,
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family!
Lisa Fontaine Henderson
Lisa Henderson
September 12, 2018
Sharlene and family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mike. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that happy memories will help to reduce the sorrow that you are now experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike and you.
John O'Leary
September 12, 2018
My Sincere Condolences To The Family.
September 12, 2018
Sharlene and Family So sorry to hear of Mikes passing, my prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Julia Vieira (Davenports)
September 12, 2018
Rest In Peace.
Paula Bell
September 12, 2018
Sharlene, Michael, Jennifer and Christine. We were so saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was certainly one of a kind. He will be missed by so many. Love you all. Glover and Brenda.
Brenda Stuttard
September 12, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Our deepest Sympathy,
Tom and Fran Valletta
Francine Valletta
September 11, 2018
To the Damiani Family - May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You now have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
JEANNE FARRAR
Classmate
September 11, 2018
Sharlene,
We were so shocked to hear about Michael's passing. Please know you have our deepest sympathy for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gina and Billy King
September 11, 2018
Our family memories go way back to our childhood.
We are very sorry for the loss of our cousin Michael.
Our condolences to the family.
Diane Sosnosky and Rita Viau
September 11, 2018
My condolences to the Damiani family. Mike's loss will be felt by many. One of my many memories of him was being able to drop by his house way past midnight on nights I couldn't sleep and find him puttering around the garage. I spent many a night solving the world's problems with him. I will miss him dearly.
Eric Schauble
September 10, 2018
Sharlene,
I was shocked and so sorry to hear about Michael. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Dave Balsofiore
September 10, 2018
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Sep
14
Sep
15
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more