Dolores Gasperini

LINCOLN, RI – A gifted artist, devoted mother, and passionate creator in all aspects of life, Dolores Gasperini passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the age of 96. She was the beloved wife of Tulio J. Gasperini for 66 years and resided in Lincoln for 61 years.
Born in Central Falls, she was the daughter of the late Anthony P. Brogi of Tuscany, Lucca, Italy, and Francesca A. (Renzoni) Cesaroni of Le Marche, Pesaro, Italy.
Her artistic spirit was evident in everything she touched. She had a natural talent for sculpture and oil painting, which she explored through private lessons and a class at the Rhode Island School of Design. The course, which featured a live model, revealed her exceptional skill-so much so that the instructor, upon seeing her work, questioned why someone of her ability was taking a beginner's class. Dolores simply responded that she was a beginner.
Several walls of her home featured hand-painted murals, including a striking rendition of Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party," a testament to her artistic talent and deep appreciation for beauty.
A self-taught landscaper, Dolores transformed her home into a breathtaking retreat. She meticulously designed her outdoor space, incorporating a hand-laid brick patio, a graceful pergola, a screened pavilion, a serene water feature, and an array of flowers and evergreens. Her yard was so striking that newlyweds often requested to have their wedding photos taken there.
Dolores was also a talented pianist, equally comfortable playing classical compositions such as Debussy's "Claire de Lune" and Beethoven's "Für Elise" and popular pieces. Music filled her home, bringing joy to those around her, often accompanied by her husband-a virtuoso musician known nationally for his talent.
Inspired by her mother-in-law, Dolores became an exceptional cook-though those who knew her considered her a true chef. She delighted family and friends with her exquisite culinary creations, always surprising them with new and imaginative dishes.
In her 50s, Dolores discovered a newfound artistic passion: apple dolls. But these were no ordinary craft fair figures-they were true works of art. She did not simply hollow out eyes and mouths using the traditional melon baller method. Instead, she applied her expertise in clay sculpting, experimenting tirelessly to soften apples into a malleable medium. With precision and patience, she sculpted intricate facial features, including detailed noses, expressive eyes with lids, and mouths with individually crafted teeth. Once sculpted, she painstakingly painted and preserved them to last over 40 years.
Her husband supported her endeavor by creating wood-mounted, fiber-filled wire armatures that gave the figures structure and movement. Dolores then hand-sewed outfits using vintage fabrics and real fur, ensuring that each doll was unique. Branded as Dori Dolls, these one-of-a-kind creations ranged from seasonal holiday figures to timeless objets d'art. Her work was first sold at Newport's Viking Hotel and later featured at Boston's Copley Place and Newport's Ball & Claw, a testament to their artistic and collectible appeal.
Above all, Dolores was a devoted mother to her three children-two daughters and one son-instilling in them her love of creativity, beauty, and craftsmanship. Her warmth, talent, and dedication to her family and artistic endeavors will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
She is survived by her son, Tulio G. Gasperini, and his husband Neal Roderick of Foxborough, MA; daughters, the late Holly D. Gasperini of Sarasota, FL, and the late Gail Gasperini of Boston; In addition to her children, Dolores leaves behind her beloved friend, Marie Brown of Hollywood, FL, whom she cherished as a daughter; brother, the late Louis J. Brogi of San Diego, CA; brother-in-law, the late Orlando A. Gasperini and sister-in-law, the late Carmela Gasperini, of Lincoln; nephew, the late Orlando W. Gasperini of Lincoln; grandchildren, Zachary P. Monroe and April B. Monroe, both of Boston, MA.
Visitation will be at the SWAN POINT Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI, in the Historic Chapel, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 12-1 p.m. Her funeral will be private.
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