With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rosealba Pagano, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and pillar of strength, who left this world peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a bright light that shone brilliantly, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rosealba was born on September 26, 1940, in Westerly RI to Frank and Rosealba Turano, attended Westerly schools before receiving a certificate of court reporting from Johnson & Wales. She then started working professionally as a court reporter for the State of RI and eventually began a 33-year administrative career at Providence College, rising through the ranks in Academic Affairs, eventually retiring in 2004 having made many good friends along the way.
Since then, she immersed herself in being a loving grandmother to her beautiful, treasured grandchildren, Adriana Rose and Louis Pagano, AJ, Christopher and Julia Verdi, and Charles Macke Pelagalli. Rosealba was the embodiment of resilience and unwavering love. She treasured her family above all else, pouring her heart into nurturing and guiding her loved ones through life’s challenges. No matter the hardships she faced, she met them with grace, resilience and unshakable strength, always putting the needs of others before her own.
She leaves behind her husband, Anthony Pagano, her daughter, Lisa Pagano, daughter-in-law, Adriana Pagano and six grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her son, Jim Pagano, and daughter, Jean Pagano. She also leaves her sister, Angetta Cerrito, of East Haven CT, many nieces and nephews, and many long-time friends.
Her funeral will leave Thursday March 6, 2025, at 9:00am from the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mark’s Church, 31 Poplar Drive, Cranston at 10:00 am. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, March 5th from 4:00 -7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Tomorrow Fund or St. Mark’s Church, Cranston, in memory of Rosealba.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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