Raymond A. DelSanto

81, of Smithfield, formerly of Johnston passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Hebert Health & Rehabilitation Center. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Anthony and Angela “Amelia” (Zanni) DelSanto.

Raymond was the owner/operator of the former Federal Hill Sausage, “Better than Boston”. He considered himself a Federal Hill Traditionalist and was a proud member of the Acorn Social Club for many years. More recently, he worked as a probation officer for the State of Rhode Island before retiring.

Raymond is survived by his loving children, Tammy Coutts and her husband Doug of Millis, MA, and Todd A. DelSanto of Johnston; cherished grandchildren, Amelia (Mia) and Anthony Coutts. He was the dear brother of Ann Marie Glew and the late John A. DelSanto, Anthony DelSanto Jr., William DelSanto and Manuel DelSanto. He is survived by loved in-laws Michelle DelSanto of North Providence and Gloria DelSanto of Cranston, his lifelong friend Ronnie Giorgio; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He cherished his times on Federal Hill, and could either be found behind a grill cooking sausage, hanging outside on the corner playing old musical favorites, or at a table playing cards. He would talk to anyone, and loved to relive the stories from the “olden days”. If there was a festival happening in or around the city, the “Federal Hill Sausage” stand was up and running, and people waited in long lines for his enormous sandwiches and classic “Taste of Federal Hill”. Everything he served was “Better Than Boston”.

When he retired as a probation officer, the sausage stand became his passion and he could be found all over the city any day and night. He was a regular at the East Providence Heritage Days, Columbus Day on Federal Hill, Nininegret Park, Pawtucket, Bristol, State House, the list goes on. He could rival McDonald’s in regards to “people served”. He would amazingly run the math in his head, knowing exactly how much meat he needed to match the amount of bread.

If there was a family reunion or some other gathering, his little white truck with the grill in the back was there. A stack of bread, some rolls of sausage, and of course the peppers and onions. Whether it was chatting it up with friends and family, or debating the day’s events, there was never a lull in the conversation. He always has an interest in the person he was talking to, where they were from and how things were going. Life was about “creating memories” he would say.

An avid fan of the New York Yankees, the holidays were entertaining as he enjoyed their many World Series wins in the late 1990s and 2000s. Later he would tip his cap to his son-in-law when the rival Boston Red Sox were [finally] able to win some of their own.

He adored his grandkids. All he needed was the name of a field or gym and he would somehow find it. He loved cheering them on in soccer, basketball, and baseball. He was known at Millis basketball games for being in the front row and his classic “Hands up!” plea for the defending players. He was proud of their hard work in school and enjoyed their performances at concerts and arts events. Always looking to pass along skills, he taught them how to cook the perfect pasta dish and how to play poker.

Ray was an extremely generous person, willing to help out anyone that was in need and accepting of all. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local food pantry, church or another charity that is dear to your heart.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.