Kevin F. Ratte

Kevin F. Ratté, 55, of Cranston, RI, passed away on February 20, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the cherished son of Fernand and Lorraine (Jutras) Ratté, a beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, and a devoted friend to many.
Born in Providence, RI, Kevin graduated from Our Lady of Providence High School in 1987, excelling as a standout tennis player. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Rhode Island College where he won his doubles flight at the Division 3 New England Tennis Championships in 1993. Previously in 1991, he earned the singles title for CCRI in his #6 singles flight at the Junior College New England Championships. Kevin then embarked on a successful 28-year career at Fidelity Investments in Smithfield, RI, where many of his colleagues became lifelong friends.
Kevin had an incredible gift for bringing joy to those around him. With his quick wit, playful teasing, spot-on impersonations of family and friends, signature dance moves, and a remarkable rendition of Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World, he had a way of lighting up any room he entered. His warmth, infectious smile, and unmistakable "Craaaanston" accent made him unforgettable. Kevin's heart was as big as his personality – always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or words of encouragement. The love and kindness he gave so freely to others came back to him tenfold during his health battle, with friends and family constantly by his side.
A proud "Parrot Head," Kevin attended over 30 Jimmy Buffett concerts and loved unwinding at Margaritaville Resorts in Florida. He was also an avid Boston Bruins fan, a skilled pool player, and a cigar aficionado. Kevin treasured his summers at Bonnet Shores Beach Club in Narragansett, where he forged lifelong friendships and created countless memories with family and friends.
A lifelong Catholic, Kevin was a parishioner of St. Matthew's Church in Cranston where his faith and deep devotion to the Blessed Mother were central to his life. He was also a proud member of the St. Mary's Feast Society, where fellow members became like family to him. Additionally, Kevin served as the fearless leader of "Ratté's Rebels," a team dedicated to raising funds for pancreatic cancer research.
In addition to his parents, Kevin leaves his brother Michael Ratté and his wife, Dawn, of Lincoln, RI; his brother Brian Ratté of Hendersonville, NC; his nephews Justin, Kyle, and David Ratté; his niece Brianna (Ratté) Dunn; his beloved dog Ru; and many dear friends. Kevin was pre-deceased by his sister-in-law, Tracy Whitstone Ratté, wife of his brother Brian.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, February 28, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. Additional visitation will take place Saturday, March 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Matthew's Church, 1299 Elmwood Ave., Cranston. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Feast Society, 15 Phenix Ave., Cranston, RI 02920 or the Cranston Animal Shelter, 920 Phenix Ave., Cranston, RI 02921.
Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com.