Eugene L. Folgo Jr.

Eugene L. "Gene" Folgo Jr. R.O., 78, of Coventry, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness with his loving wife, Barbara Ann (De Matteo) Folgo R.O. and his devoted daughter, Dr. Ashley Rose Folgo by his side.
Gene was born in Providence on Federal Hill and moved to Cranston when he was 6. He was the devoted son to the late Eugene L. Folgo Sr. and Anita (De Maio) Folgo. He was the youngest member of the first graduating class of Cranston High School West in 1963.
In September 1963, Gene began his apprenticeship at Strand Optical Company under the tutelage of his father. After his father's untimely passing, Gene became the President of the company at age 30 and he spent his entire 56 year career at Strand. In 1980, he was elected the President of Cranston Rotary and he was the youngest President-Elect at at the time. He also served 5 terms as president of the Rhode Island Association of Registered Dispensing Opticians (RIARDO) where he was instrumental in helping pass strict legislation governing opticians for the safety of the public. He took great pride in doing pro bono work for those in need every chance he could. He would help anyone at any time, including complete strangers in his personal and professional life.
Gene and Barbara were together since they were teenagers, just shy of 61 years. They were partners in love, life and business, and would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary next month.
Gene was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, godfather, uncle, cousin, son, brother, friend and confidant to many. Later in life, he had the privilege of being a father figure to numerous bonus sons and daughters who chose to have "Papa ELF" in their lives. Whenever he was around dogs or small children, he was quickly chosen as the favorite.
Gene loved family vacations to New Hampshire, relaxing in his beautiful yard, and making sure the pool was "just right" for his precious granddaughter Laura Rose. He could fix anything and gave the BEST hugs. He spent many hours accompanying his daughter on professional and academic trips from Baltimore to Toronto and would tell you his biggest accomplishment in life was being her father.
As per Gene's wishes, his funeral and burial were private.
Barbara and Dr. Ashley would like to give special thanks to Dr. Ralph Santoro, Diana, Dr. Thomas Noonan, Tracy, Annette and the staff at Hope Hospice for the outstanding and compassionate care Gene received. They would also like to thank cousin Sister Angelina Giramma MPF for her spiritual support and prayers during Gene's long illness and their friends and loved ones for their outpouring of support.
Donations may be made in his name to Hope Hospice https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care/