Jonathan K. Farnum

Jonathan K. Farnum, 86, beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Perry and Shirley Farnum.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Farnum; his children Elisabeth Farnum (Gilbert Grossman), Polly Fraga (Mark Fraga), David Farnum (Susan Farnum), and Sara Stein (Jesse Stein); and his grandchildren Simone Obara (Bryan Obara), Elise Farnum (Chase Miller), Sophia Fraga, Jonathan Fraga, Luke Fraga, Harrison Stein, Elsie Stein, Avery Farnum, and Mia Farnum. He also delighted in his great-granddaughter, Robin Obara. He was predeceased by his treasured infant grandchildren, Grace and Isabel Farnum.

Jon was educated in Summit, NJ public schools before graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy (1957), Yale University (undefeated Class of 1961), and Harvard Business School (1963). A proud Rhode Islander, Jon began his career at Brown University as budget officer, later serving as Associate Vice President of Finance and Operations. He went on to lead Wardwell Braiding Machine Company of Central Falls, RI as President and CEO for more than 30 years, guiding the company to international recognition in the wire and cable industry.

Deeply committed to his community, Jon served as trustee of Centreville Bank and Kent County Hospital, chairman of Care New England, and director of Cranston Print Works and Valley Resources. He was elected to four terms as State Senator (District 21), ultimately serving as Minority Leader, and also served on the boards of the RI State Board of Elections, the Judicial Nominating Commission, and the Narragansett Bay Commission. He lent his time and talents to many boards, including the Champlin Foundation, Ocean State Charity, and the Boy Scouts of America on the local, state, and regional levels. At Beneficent Church, he served faithfully as treasurer for over 25 years and as a member of the Beneficent House board.

Beyond his professional and civic accomplishments, Jon was a man who valued people above all else. He was kind, welcoming, and thoughtful, always ready with a warm smile and laugh. Never idle, he found joy in reading, studying Colonial history, swimming in "the lake," or simply resting with a dog on his lap; he spent every minute intentionally. He loved good food, good conversation, and travel-personally visiting all seven continents. His infectious optimism and curiosity sparked in his family a lifelong love of travel and new experiences. To know Jon was to encounter a rare kindness, humor, and warmth that will be profoundly missed.

The family would like to thank Joel Kiggundu and Moses Bukenya (24hourhca.com) for the exceptional and loving care that they gave Jon in the last 2 years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jon's memory may be made to the Rhode Island Boy Scouts, 223 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921, or the Kent Hospital Foundation (https://foundation.kentri.org).

His funeral will be held on Friday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Swan Point Historic Chapel, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island. Reception to follow.