Michael A. Pelli

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, Michael Andrew Pelli, 65, on Sunday February 22, 2026. Michael was born on March 27,1960, the youngest of four children born to Anna T. (Marriet) and John Pelli and raised in Cranston.

Michael graduated from Cranston West High School in 1978 where he was a four-year member of both the swimming and soccer teams. His senior season he was elected a co-captain of the West soccer team and achieved All-State recognition.

To say that Michael had a passion for the game of soccer is an understatement! He continued on long after high school playing all over the state and Eastern Massachusetts, well into his 40's with the Rhode Island Americans, the Cranston Soccer Club, and the Jamestown Shamrocks, while also coaching youth, including Special Olympics RI, adults, and a stint at the high school level with Cranston East. More recently his favorite activity became going to the stadium to watch Rhode Island FC play in-person.

Michael and his family are most appreciative of the continued support provided by his soccer teammates and classmates, Steve Falcone, Joe Tommaselli, and John Pastore. We also wish to thank John Volpe, DPM, and his staff at Rhode Island Foot and Ankle for the compassionate care/treatment they provided.

Michaeal was diagnosed at the age of 15 with Diabetes a disease which he never allowed to damper his easy-going demeanor, welcoming smile, or simple lifestyle but which, over 50 years, extracted a terrible toll on his body.

Michael is survived by his sister Donna Palombo and her husband Alan, his brothers, Mark (and closest companion) of Cranston, and John and his wife Marcia, of Westfield, Massachusetts. He also leaves his nephews, Christopher Pelli and his wife Vanessa of Somerset, Massachusetts and Nathan Shweary of Cranston, his niece Jennifer Packard, M.D. her husband Jonathan and two grandnephews, Tobias and Samuel of Bedford, New Hampshire. Michael was predeceased by his parents and his niece, and godchild, Megan Elizabeth Pelli.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m in the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI. Burial will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in Michael's memory to the American Diabetes Association, PO BOX 22116-7023, Merrifield, VA, 22116-7023 or ONLINE via diabetes.org/ways-to-give.