Dawn Marie Pappadia

WESTERLY - Dawn Marie (Chiaradio) Pappadia, 67, passed away peacefully at her home on February 23, 2026. She courageously battled cancer with grace and unrelenting faith for several years.

Dawn was predeceased by her parents, George and Terry Chiaradio. She is survived by her devoted husband Mark Pappadia, her beloved son Andrew, and their dog Brody. She is also survived by her brother Peter Chiaradio and her brothers-in-law Louis, Thomas and Paul Pappadia, all of Westerly. Dawn will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews, many cousins, and lifelong friends.

Dawn graduated from Westerly High School in 1976. Dawn earned an associates degree in fashion merchandising from Rhode Island Junior College. For several years she worked as a buyer for the G. Fox & Co. in Warwick, RI. Dawn also worked at Bradford Dye Association where she met her husband. They were married on April 19, 1986 and would soon be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Dawn continued her career as a Customer Service Representative at Peoples/Shawmut National Bank on Granite Street in Westerly. After the birth of her son, she spent over twenty years as a familiar face and much loved server at Go Fish Restaurant in Mystic, CT.

Dawn was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church. She served on the Board of the Westerly Youth Soccer Association for many years, supporting youth soccer and volunteering countless hours in the concession stand. She also served as an active member of Springbrook PTO.

Dawn loved to shop, cook and bake. She graciously welcomed everyone into her home, always offering a cup of coffee and a visit. She was a steadfast presence in the lives of her loved ones, always there celebrating the big and small moments. She will be remembered for her generous heart and warm, whimsical spirit. Despite facing many challenges throughout her own lifetime, she moved through the world, always offering cheer, optimism, hope, and kindness to everyone who crossed her path. She was many peoples favorite person and always a soft place to land. Dawn was a faithful servant who faced the cruelty of her disease with bravery, grace and dignity. Her kindness and faith will live on in her beloved son Andrew who was the joy of her life.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 2 from 4pm -7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Dawn's life will be held at 10am on Tuesday, March 3, at Immaculate Conception Church, 111 High St., Westerly. There is no procession from the funeral home to church. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Stand Up For Animals in Dawns memory. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com