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THOMAS SLATER Obituary
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Edith M. (Simpson) Slater. Mr. Slater was a sales manager for Genalco, Inc. of Warwick for the past 45 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major.
Tom served the City of Providence as a state representative in District 10 since 1994. He was a Past Grand Knight and fourth degree member of the Cranston Knights of Columbus and a long time member of the Providence Democratic City Committee.
Besides his wife, he leaves 2 sons Gary M. and his wife Lauren E. Slater and Scott A. Slater both of Providence. 1 daughter, Ellen J. and her husband Dr. Paari Gopalakrishnan of Cranston; 1 brother, Stephen E. Slater of Manchester, NH; 3 sisters, Patricia E. Luth of Port Republic, VA, Frances A. Jaworski of Clayton, NC, Deborah M. Miner of Leicester, VT; 3 grandchildren, Riley and Daven Gopalakrishnan and Thomas J. Slater.
His funeral will be Friday at 8:45 AM from the Frank P. Trainor & Sons Funeral Home, 982 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Matthew Church, Elmwood Avenue, Cranston at 10AM. Calling Hours Thursday 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory to the RI Hospital Comprehensive Care Center 593 Eddy St. Providence, RI 02903 will be appreciated. Burial will be in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Condolences and directions please visit www.trainorfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS SLATER
Sponsored by The Slater Family.
June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day Tom, we all miss you very much!
Love,
Lauren, Gary, Thomas and Jonathan
Gary Slater
June 20, 2010
This is our 1st Father's Day without you and it still seems unimaginable that you are gone. I am trying to be as good a father to Thomas and Jonathan as you were to us. I miss you dearly and sometimes the memories are not enough. I know how much you liked getting cards with something written inside so I wanted to write to you today and wish you a Happy Father's Day...I Love You.
Lori Claiborne
November 8, 2009
Dear Slater Cousins,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always have happy memories of going to your home as a child. Uncle Tom and Auntie Edie always made us feel like one of their own. They raised a wonderful son that will be missed greatly by all who met him.
Lauren & Gary Slater
October 28, 2009
We would like to keep this guest book open as a journal to document special moments when Tom is in our thoughts.
Most recently (October 6, 2009), Scott won the primary election to fill Tom's spot as representative. He worked very hard to meet all of Tom's constituents and gain their trust that he will continue working for them just as Tom had for 14 years.
On October 10, 2009 Jody, Gary, Scott and Ellen were invited to participate in the annual Flames of Hope waterfire for breast cancer awareness month. Although it was a very cold night they enjoyed lighting and proudly carrying the torches in memory of Tom.
October 28, 2009 the state house held a gathering to honor Tom and all he had done as a state representative. It is clear how much of an impact he had as a rep as well as with his collegues. They miss him very much up there!
September 26, 2009
dear jodi and family tom will always have a smile in my heart love cousin nancy vallese shipley p cola fla
Thomas De Falco
August 25, 2009
dear jodi and family,
my heartfelt thoughts go out to and your family in the passing of tom.as you know i knew tom for the last 45 years,starting with the Marine Corps.
I knew tom to be a champion for all people,the good the bad and the ugly!
tom will be sorely missed by myself and many,many others.
Semper Fi sgt. major
your friend,
Tom De Falco
Jack McCabe
August 21, 2009
Our family is proud to have known Thomas
all his life. My mother still remembers him as a child, and has always had the fondest recollections of the Slater family. It was most fortunate that I was able to take my elder parents to pay their respects and see the family at the wake. As a very young child I also remember visiting your home and how friendly your parents were. So generous and always quick to smile. A great man from a great family.
Jonathan Dawson
August 18, 2009
im so sorry for the passing of my friend rep slater he was a person i will remember and carry with me all of the days ahead i had the pleasure of now him and i did a tour of the providence state house i will keep him with me forever and may god rest him and his family all the days ahead
Pat Slater Luth
August 18, 2009
Thank you all for the overwhelming response to Tom's passing. He would be embarrassed by all the praises. He was born in poverty, lived it, breathed it and felt it heart and soul. He was a man of men from birth to death. As one of his sisters I never heard him speak harsely of anyone. He may have from time to time agree to disagree strongly, but then it was done. He was an ordinary man doing what he felt he was called to do. He is an example to all of us that one individual can make a difference. I urge you to carry on that legacy.
Linda Fiore
August 17, 2009
Jody,so sorry to hear of your loss.May he rest in peace.
Ivette Felix
August 17, 2009
My condolences to all: Family, Friends and constituents. His hard work, love,commitment and dedication will be forever remembered by us all. You will Truly be missed. I carry you in my heart.
Deb Kney
August 17, 2009
We are very sorry for your loss. This is a loss for the whole community.
Rep. Slater was a champion to so many. We miss him and will always appreciate all that he did for us.
We wish his loved ones peace.
Friends from Advocates in Action and PAL
Laurie Torres
August 17, 2009
Scott, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a great man.
Love
Laurie Torres
August 17, 2009
Rest in peace, SgtMaj. Our sincere condolences to the family for their loss.
Semper Fi
VMA-322
NAS SOWEY
Jackie Shipp
August 16, 2009
Slater family:
Tom was a beautiful person and had a great personality. May he rest in peace.
August 15, 2009
To Fran and family: My prayers are with you and your family for the loss of your wonderful brother. He has left a legacy that you will always have.
Love
Penny Hiotas
Tanisha Porter
August 14, 2009
To Ellen and Pari, my the good lord be with you and your entire family on such a day a good man passed away, i will miss him deeply he was truly and awesome person. Your father will always have a special place in my family heart be strong for the family love tanisha
Donna Folmsbee
August 14, 2009
Slater family:
Know our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Tom will be missed greatly, we were sad to hear of his passing. He was wonderful to my Grandmother (Marian Stone) and my Aunt (Lillian Coppa) and for that I was always grateful. Accept our condolences in your time of Loss.
Donna (Ray) Folmsbee
Betty Clinton
August 14, 2009
To the family and friends, may you find peace and comfort during this time of loss. Rep. Slater was truly a public servant and he will be dearly missed.
Linda & John Reynolds
August 14, 2009
Dear Jodie & Family, Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Will miss speaking & seeing him in the neighborhood. He was a very caring person to all he came in contact with.May God Bless & watch over you and your family at this sorrowful time in your life. In Deepest Sympathy...
Sherrod Jones
August 14, 2009
Our prayers are with you as you grieve but celebrate the life of such a great man. Words cannot adequately express how we feel the loss of Mr. Slater, he was kind, dedicated and supportive advocate for those of us in the non-profit sector.
D. Sherrod Jones and staff of The Curse Breakers Outreach Program
Rosemarie Spagnoulo
August 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Donna (Ward) Haddock
August 13, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Fazio
August 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Slater familly at this very sad time.
mary (machado) lury
August 13, 2009
mrs.slater and family,i am so sorry for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
August 13, 2009
Mrs Slater(Ms Jodie), Gary, Scottie,Ellen . Lord knows my heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. Your husband/father was to me a very special individual. His Love and friendship extended beyond the surface. He like all of you never wavered during my darkest days. You all never judged, you were just there for me whenever. I'll never forget this. Please be strong for each other and your memories in time will surpass your sorrow. GOD please stay close to this family I'm going to keep you all dear to my heart. Love: Maureen Toni Harris
Kerry Walker
August 13, 2009
Fran
My heart goes out to you and your family in this difficult time...
Lenny Wahl
August 13, 2009
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family. We knew Tom for many years & so did our children. He will be missed.
The Wahl Family -
Lenny, Lori-Jo, Lisa & Michael
Ken Rogers
August 13, 2009
To My Slater Cousins,
Having just seen Tom several times earlier in the year while we were both at the RI Hospital Cancer Center, I am deeply saddened.
Having spent so much time at my aunt and uncle's earlier in my life, I can tell you that even then I looked up to this man who would become such an agent for community change.
The entire State of Rhode Island owes the man a debt of gratitude.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Melissa Lury
August 13, 2009
Slater Family,
Sorry for your loss.
Stephen Potter
Corey Maples
August 13, 2009
Im so sorry to hear about tom he was a great friend i known tom for a few years and i know tom helped who ever her could he will be missed .
Victor Parrillo Jr
August 13, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve Tymon
August 13, 2009
He made us laugh when we needed it the most.....we will miss him
Steve Tymon
Capitol Television and Crew
Richard Sousa
August 13, 2009
Scott,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief
Your dad will be missed! He was a great man who gave so much and never expected anything in return. His giving ways were amazing!
His strong views on life, sense of humor, and above all, hard work, dedication and commitment to the people of Providence are the biggest parts of the legacy he leaves behind. He will be sadly and affectionately missed.
John & Joyce Oakes
August 13, 2009
To the Slater Family,
We are very sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. He was such a great guy. You should be very proud of such a greater fighter. Please accept our condolences.
August 13, 2009
Although no words can truly help ease the pain when you lose someone so dear, may peaceful moments and cherished memories help you through this sad time.
Bob Marshall
Marshall & Associates
JOHN DEFALCO
August 13, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Judy Rogers/Emerson
August 12, 2009
To Jody, your children and all my Slater cousins,
It was with much sadness that I read of Tom's passing.
I know that for most of his life his mission was to help others--right down to succeeding to stay alive long enough to pass a Bill to help those afflicted with this horrible disease. Being a Breast Cancer Survior I know the damages it can take out of you and the loved ones involved. God Bless him I am sure he earned his spot in heaven.
My sympathies to all of you as you attempt to cope with your loss.
Judy Rogers Emerson
Houston, Texas
Cornel Young PPD Ret.
August 12, 2009
To the family of Thomas Slater,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. The citizens of Providence have lost a tireless worker and the State of R.I a true gentleman. May he rest in peace
Deb C
August 12, 2009
TO the family of Tom Slater,
I knew Tom through his mom and dad, Edie and Tom Slater. (My mom worked at Almacs with Edie.) They were so proud of him for everything he accomplished in life. I am so sorry for your loss. May he RIP. He is with his mom and dad now.
jack williams
August 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ralph & Norma Correra
August 12, 2009
Dear Jody & Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. We have so many fond memories of him at St. Matthew’s Church. He was a great person, with a beautiful smile, and always willing to lend a hand. We feel so privileged to have known him; he has touched so many lives, and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Please accept our deepest sympathy, and may you find peace and comfort in the days ahead as you celebrate a life well lived. May he now rest in peace with the Lord.
Sincerely,
Ralph & Norma Correra and Family
Joe & Karyn Villella
August 12, 2009
Slater Family
Joe & I were very sorry to hear the news, may you find comfort in your togetherness and know that memories last forever.
with deepest condolences
August 12, 2009
so sorry for your loss i have nice memories of cousin tom he will be forever in my heart love nancy vallese shipley pensacola fla
August 12, 2009
Slater Family,
All members of platoon 233 Parris Island SC June-Sept 1963 want to say.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Semper FI
Michael Judenis
August 12, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June Van Der Meere
August 12, 2009
Jody,
I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. May your memories of good times shared together bring you comfort during this difficult time. God bless you in his tender loving care,
June Van Der Meere
Kathie Sandberg
August 12, 2009
To the family of Thomas Slater
Our organization has had the pleasure of working with Rep Slater on numerous occasions. He was a true professional dedicated to preserving the rights and dignities of everyone. He will be missed. Please accept our condolences.
The Rhode Island Childcare Directors Association
Diane Butler
August 12, 2009
Our Deepest Sympathy go out to The Family And Friends Of this wonderful man.I had The pleasure of meeting Tom Slater through The Constant family who adored This loving and thoughtful man and our prayes are with you all. Diane Butler Sharon Thibodeau of Daytona Bch Florida.
Scott Sokolow
August 12, 2009
To The Slater Family,
I was sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I had the privilege of knowing him during my tenure at American Insulated Wire Corp. and Leviton Manufacturing Co. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of public service. His dedication and hard work will be greatly missed by those he sought to help. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Scott L. Sokolow
Jerry Butler
August 12, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
August 12, 2009
Ellen and Paari,
I am very sorry about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-Walter Goula
Cynthia Cipolla
August 12, 2009
Scotti, Gary and Slater Family,
On behalf of John and I we would like to express our deepest and sincerest sympathy to you. We pray that with time and healing that the wonderful memories of your dad will bring you peace and comfort. Your dad was a strong man and fought his battle with cancer with courage and with faith in God. May Tom rest in peace!
Luis Aponte
August 12, 2009
To Slater Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your Husband, Father and Grandfather with us. None of us who worked with Tom will ever forget his kindness of heart, tenacity of spirit and tirelessness in his advocacy for the least amongst us
God Bless you.
Eleanor Borge
August 12, 2009
To the Slater Family,
Tom was a friend to many. I will forever be grateful to him for the kindness and generosity shown to not only myself, but to all of us in the South Elmwood Neighborhood. He always looked out for the underserved and under represented in the ward. I loved him dearly and will miss him so much. I feel blessed for having known such a humble man who worked tirelessly for all of us. May you find comfort in your memories and in God's care. May our beloved Tom rest in peace.
Carolyn Ward
August 12, 2009
Jody and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief.
~Carolyn Ward, San Diego, CA
Liz, Steve, Steve Jr. and Mike Richards
August 12, 2009
Dear Jody and Family:
Please accept our Sincere Sympathy on the passing of Tom. He was one special person and is now with the Angels in Heaven. He will always be in our Thoughts and Prayers.
August 12, 2009
Dear Jody,
I am truly sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Jackie Alves
August 12, 2009
To Fran and the Slater family
My memories of Tom go all the way back to St. Michael's and attending the Squires dances. My sincere sympathy
Pat Conlon Robertson
Maureen (Frenier)Ricci
August 12, 2009
Jody and family,
Please accept my sympathy on the lose of your husband and father. I know God has a special place in heaven for him.
joann michonski
August 12, 2009
Jody,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief
Joann Ward Michonski
Ray Brown
August 12, 2009
Jody & Family:
My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and the family at this most difficult time. I had the privilege of knowing Tom both professionally and as a good friend to me & my children. His goodness, concern, and genuine compassion for all he met were evident in his every day actions. His efforts on behalf of his family, church, neighborhood, city, and state will long be remembered. Tom led by example and that legacy will live on through his family.
Ray Brown, Retired
Director of Recreation
City of Providence
Tom Angell
August 12, 2009
I will never forget how hard Rep. Slater worked to improve the lives of other people. His legacy will live on in the form of the new medical marijuana compassion centers that are set to open next year.
Peggy Carr
August 12, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I pray that God watches over you and your family and showers you with His Love during these very sad days. He was such a nice person. He will be missed!
Anne Neuville
August 12, 2009
Dear Jody and family, Remembering Tom with such fondness, grateful that I got to know him a little bit. He had a good and sincere heart that did much for many. May you be comforted at this difficult time with the wonderful memories you have. My prayers are with you.
Renay Omisore
August 12, 2009
The community has lost a shining star, but your star will shine so bright from the heavens.
Frank & Audrey Villella
August 12, 2009
Dear Gary & Family,
We were sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father & grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mary Jo Murphy
August 12, 2009
Jody & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Jo Murphy
Joyce O'Connor
August 12, 2009
To Jody & the Slater Family:
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal,
Happy memories bring us peace.
I met Tom over 20 years ago when we both worked the bingo at St. Matthews. He was always a nice man. Tom cared about his community and was always visible and willing to help anyone even when you wasn't in his community. He never forgot where he was from. He was the BEST! He will be missed by all. Tom fought a good fight. May he rest in peace.
Love & God's Blessings to his family -
The O'Connor Family
Patrick Crowley
August 12, 2009
Thanks for your many years of service, Representative.
August 12, 2009
Only God knows why the ones we love are taken so suddenly. I can only hope you will remember the positive influence Tom had on the many people he touched.May you be comforted in this your time of sorrow knowing you will be with him again someday
Christine, Michael and Joseph Rusnak
Thomas Glavin
August 12, 2009
Tom served the citizens of his district and the State of Rhode Island well. He was a consumate gentlemen who avoided personalities and fought passionately for what he believed.
May he rest in peace.
Chuck Mainville
August 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tom never forgot who he was or where he came from -- a pure public servant, he will be greatly missed by every community in RI and those he fought for the hardest.
Renee Bailey
August 12, 2009
Dear Jody and Family
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Health Club Staff Westin
August 12, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kristie Miner
August 12, 2009
God Bless you Uncle Tom. Your quiet and humble ways have been a lesson to us all. Thank you.
Marylyn Stravinsky
August 12, 2009
Jody and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing...over the past several years when I had run into him I would always ask how you were..he seemed like a great guy..please accept my condolences..
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