J. Philip Kane

J. Philip Kane, 71 of Providence, RI, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2025, surrounded by his husband and loving family. He fought a courageous battle with colon cancer for a year and a half. Philip was born on February 13, 1954, in Newport, RI to the late Capt. John P. and Mary (Altemose) Kane.
Philip is survived by his devoted spouse, Daniel Fournier, his three sisters, Lisa Kane Wein and her husband Capt. Michael C. Wein of Virginia Beach, VA; Barbara Kane O'Neill and her husband Richard E. O'Neill of Newport, RI; Sabra Kane O'Hanley and her husband William B. O'Hanley of Middletown, RI, and many nephews, nieces and countless friends.
Philip was a 1972 graduate of Rogers High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude from East Stroudsburg University in 1977. Philip's commitment to volunteerism and community service began in high school and continued throughout his adult life. He was a passionate advocate for those in need, always standing up for the less fortunate and working tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Philip worked in the field of HIV prevention services and care for over 38 years, beginning in 1987 when he volunteered for AIDS Project Rhode Island and its Hotline and Buddy Program. The next year, he was hired as the organization's Hotline Coordinator, and later as Education Coordinator. He joined the staff of Thundermist Health Center in July 2004 and served until his retirement in 2021 as the Program Manager for the Ryan White HIV Care Program and as a member of the Rhode Island Community Planning Group for HIV Prevention/Infection. He also served as a key member and chair on countless infectious disease and HIV/AIDS related committees.
Over the years, Philip received many honors and awards, including the 2022 Hope Harris Award in recognition of his fight against HIV disease when working with AIDS Project RI. He was most humbled in December of 2024 when Thundermist Medical Center dedicated a space of the hospital to him in recognition of his tremendous contributions to people living with HIV/AIDS. The ceremony was attended by doctors, nurses, friends and family. It was a true testament to the incredible person he was - kind, compassionate, and deeply devoted to others.
Philip enjoyed the simple things in life. His love of music ranged from the American Song Book to musical theater, Gershwin to Hammerstein, and favorite performers Barbara Cook and Michael Feinstein. Philip rarely missed a PBS program, including Masterpiece Theater or its many classic British dramas and mysteries. He enjoyed quiet times surrounded by nature in Vermont and the Poconos. Venice, Italy, held a special place in his heart not only for its art and culture, but as the city where his now husband asked him to marry. But no matter how far he traveled, the Providence home he shared with his husband was a source of pride, comfort and joy. A gentle man of few words, Philip will long be remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humor and his kind, loving heart.
Memorial donations may be made to any of Philip's favorite organizations: Thundermist Health Center of Woonsocket, 450 Clinton St., Woonsocket, RI 02895; AIDS Project RI, 55 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906; HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02904; and Meals On Wheels of Rhode Island, 70 Bath Street, Providence, RI 02908.
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