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Ty Davis Obituary
Ty Davis, 71, of Cranston, RI, passed away on Saturday, March 13th, 2021 after a brief acute brain injury. He died surrounded by his loving family.
Ty was born in Pawtucket, RI in 1950 to Adelaide (Boyd) and Tyler B. Davis. He received his undergraduate degree in English at Colby College (1972). Ty was the first rock and roll music reporter at The Providence Journal, creating the position at age 17. In 1978, he founded The NewPaper, the first free weekly entertainment newspaper in Rhode Island and was its publisher until he sold it in 1988. From then until his death, Ty worked as a freelance newspaper consultant.
As a caring husband and father of five, Ty took great joy in family, near and far, old and new. Ty especially liked hosting family members, friends, and foreign exchange students.
Ty enjoyed rock and roll and blues music; playing tennis at Agawam Hunt; growing fruits and vegetables in the yard; hosting Patriots viewing parties at home; watching old movies; and swapping stories with loved ones.
Ty is survived by his wife, Claire Laties Davis, and his children Dashiell Nottingham Davis (Stacy), Duncan Sherwood Davis (Jackclyn), Douglas Robin Davis, Becklin Elisabeth Adelaide Davis, and Darcy Tamlin Davis, as well as sisters Julia-Wray Dennis and Susan Davis Moora.
In Ty's memory, you can tell a terrible joke, eat a blueberry bagel, plant some vegetables, do the sudoku and jumble in your local newspaper, play board games with your favorite young people, and tell the people close to you that you love them. Services will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ty Davis
Paula Bird
May 31, 2021
I never met Ty, but had the good fortune of being in the Fan group with Claire. Her enthusiastic stories of Ty and her family beamed with love and humor. My condolences to the entire family for the loss of Ty, and i will eat a blueberry bagel and think fondly of Claire and her famiy and appreciate the bad jokes in life a little more. Peace. Paula Bird
JEFF SHEPHERD
April 3, 2021
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Ty's family, to Susan and Julia. Sometimes it is hard to understand God's plan for us, but Ty is now is the greatest place of all, HEAVEN. It was interesting to read about Ty's accomplishments in the newspaper business. I am sure he is having great talks with my Grandfather (W.C. Shepherd) and my father (Hugh G. Shepherd) in heaven right now about their experiences in the newspaper business. I will be thinking of him and praying for his family and sisters.
Cousin Jeff
Estelle Vieira (aka Robert Vieira)
March 23, 2021
Life works in mysterious ways; I randomly thought about my old friend Duncan for the first time in nearly 15 years, and as I searched for him, I came across this. I remember spending days in his house and backyard, playing various games with the Davis kids and those were some of my favorite days in childhood. Ty was always a bright spot, his intellect and wit masterful and his impact throughout everyone’s lives unparalleled. My deepest condolences to Claire and all the family. May his memory live in joy. You can bet I’ll tell a terrible joke during my next board game session.
Judy Moffatt
March 22, 2021
Claire I only knew Ty from our art gatherings from long ago, but I have enjoyed the write up and stories on this site. I remember you all as a colorful joyful creative family. Sending strength and love, Judy
Todd Hampson
March 20, 2021
The Hampsons will greatly miss the ring-leader of one of the most creative, talented and zany families in Edgewood.
And so, Ty's memory:
Q. When does a bad joke become a "dad" joke?
A. When it is fully grown, apparently.
May you all find peace and comfort during this difficult time. And may the memory of all Ty's bad dad jokes bring a smile to your faces.
Brian Cousineau
March 17, 2021
I delivered mail to Ty’s family for a short while. He was what I would say: “a very enjoyable character.”
I never knew who might come to the door: I remember once a German Exchange Student & often I saw him with a sly smile. I recall a Peach tree which I didn’t dare pilfer though I doubt Ty would mind. My sincere condolences to his family & many friends. He was one darn good soul.
Don’t cry, as difficult as it may be- carry on his joyful spirit.
John LaMoia
March 17, 2021
Tuesday shone his light on us all in RI music family. He was instrumental in making it what it was, is, and will be. Thanks Ty.
Mike Staron
March 17, 2021
Ty was my first boss, fresh out of Uconn and just moved to Newport, selling advertising for the Newpaper from a beat up old briefcase Joe Cournoyer gave me. He always took the time to teach me about sales and was very patient and fun to be around. His Irish Setter jumped up on my lap during a meeting once which she never would have done if she was healthy, and I thought that was very nice. Ty did a lot for RI and many, many people are smart enough to know that. My condolences to Claire and his family. We're not supposed to tell a terrible joke HERE-right?
Bill Flanagan
March 15, 2021
Ty was a real pioneer in Rhode Island arts journalism. He gave a start to so many writers. And he was a genuinely kind man. A life well lived.
Bob Angell
March 15, 2021
I will choose the “tell a terrible joke” option in memory of my longtime friend and associate. Deepest condolences to Claire and the family ... and also to his extensive NewP family. We will never forget .
Bob Angell
March 15, 2021
I will choose the “ tell a terrible joke” option in memory of my longtime friend. My condolences to Claire and the family ... and to his extensive NewP family.
See you on the other side, Ty.
R.I.P.
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