William Carter

1944 - 2025

William F. Carter, 80, of East Providence, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was the husband of the late Shirley A. (Levesque) Carter.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Earl and Margaret (Sullivan) Carter.



William Carter, Bill, was the original owner and operator with his wife Shirley and son Shawn, of the " Foundry Café" located in the Foundry Corporate Office Center in Providence. As a lifelong chef/cook it had always been his dream to have his own restaurant. In 1993, that dream became reality when an opportunity came about to construct and open the "Foundry Café" which he and Shirley operated from 1994 to 2005. He will always be remembered for his famous daily homemade soups…

Bill began his career in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher at the old Holiday Inn in Seekonk. It was there that he developed an interest in cooking under the guidance of Nonna, an older Italian executive chef. She was his mentor and inspiration and encouraged him to believe in his potential because she saw he had the skill set to excel in the kitchen. He quickly progressed to a sous chef when he was hired and promoted to a head chef at the old Colonial Hilton Hotel (JW Hospitality Center) in Cranston. It was there that he excelled at hosting very large formal and informal events. No wedding was too large or small for him. The food always came out on time, hot and delicious.

Interestingly, because the Providence Biltmore Hotel was closed at this time, the Hilton served as the #1 RI location for traveling performers and entertainers to stay, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, and Liberace. All of whom Bill was given the opportunity to cook for but never considered it a big thing. In 1973, during a Hilton labor strike, Bill was offered the opportunity to work at Ledgemont Country Club in Rehoboth, MA as Head Chef. Soon he was offered Executive Chef at Wannamoisett Country Club in East Providence where he worked up to the Foundry Café.

He is survived by three children: James Carter, Stephen Carter, and Shawn Carter; and three stepchildren: Frank Foti, Sandra Layfield, and Jennifer White. He was predeceased by his stepson, Jeffrey Foti.

In his memory, perhaps at your next dining experience you may want to leave an additional tip for your server in his name.

Funeral services will be private.