Thomas "Leo" Sladen, Jr.

1930 - 2022

PAWTUCKET - Thomas "Leo" Sladen, Jr., 92, formerly of Anawan Road and Saratoga Avenue, Pawtucket, and Brookdale Assisted Living, Attleboro, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Hattie Ide Chaffee Home, East Providence.

Born on April 29,1930, Leo was the son of the late Thomas, Sr. and Hazel (Riley) Sladen and stepson of the late Gertrude (Brady) Sladen. He was the beloved husband of the late Jane (Rowse) Sladen, who he was happily married to for sixty-seven years.

Leo is survived by his devoted sons, Thomas L. Sladen, III and his wife, Barbara of Seekonk, Paul Sladen and his wife, Catherine of East Providence, Michael Sladen of Pawtucket and son-in-law, Claus Baier of Pawtucket. He was the father of the late Deborah "Debbie" Baier. He is also survived by Osvald "Ozzie" Barros, who he and Jane affectionately called their fourth son. He was the proud grandfather of John Baier and his fiancée, Christina Barlow, Robert Sladen and his wife, Daniella, Erin Thibeault and her husband, Jake, Elizabeth Dubuc and her husband, Jeffrey, and Stephen and Ryan Sladen. He loved every minute of being a great-grandfather to his adoring great-grandchildren, Noah and Penelope Sladen, Benjamin and Emma Dubuc and Jack and Emmy Thibeault. He leaves behind his brother Richard Sladen and his wife, Debbie. Leo was predeceased by his brother Harold Sladen and his sister Ann Bandieri. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and close life-long friend, Joan Richardson and her husband, David.

Leo ran track and cross country at Pawtucket East High School, graduating in 1947 and then joining the United States Navy. While stationed in Hawaii, Leo took classes to further his education. He and Jane were married on December 10, 1953 in Oahu during Leo's service in the Korean War. Upon returning to Rhode Island, Leo and his wife raised their four children, whom he affectionately referred to as his "Wrecking Crew." Leo worked at American Textile and Gorham while attending night classes and then eventually earning his degree at Bryant University. Leo designed lace patterns on the side and took classes at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He valued education and worked hard to ensure his family was always well taken care of. Leo was a wonderful husband and provider, a patient father and well-loved friend with a good sense of humor and a generous, humble heart. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren's educational and career paths, he instilled in all of them to work hard, save money, live within your means, and set goals.

In retirement, Leo remained very active. He was an avid golfer with his son Paul: Rain, snow, or storms did not deter them from hitting the links early on a Saturday morning at 7AM sharp. He enjoyed walking daily and you could find him at Emerald Square Mall doing laps during inclement weather. He enjoyed helping his son Tom in the garden and doing errands for his son Michael's business. He happily chauffeured his grandkids to and from school and their activities. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the family summer home in Dennis Port, Cape Cod. He and Jane had an open door policy over the years and were known to take any person or animal into their home for as long as they needed a place to stay. Leo was an amazing patriarch who loved gathering his loved ones with Jane for Sunday dinners while watching golf and cheering on the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics. He was known to enjoy a good martini when out but was happy with a simple Schaefer at home.

"If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased." - Maya Angelou. Leo was truly one in a million. Although the loss is immeasurable for the family, the family takes comfort in knowing Leo and Jane are finally together again, their legacy of love lives on.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Teresa Church, 358 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Interment with Military Honors at Oak Grove Cemetery, Pawtucket, will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mass General Development Office, Attn: Alexandra Van Strien, 125 Nashua Street, Ste 540, Boston, MA 02114. Checks may be made payable to "MGH Dr. Dickerson Lab" and please add a memo to the check in memory of Thomas Leo Sladen, Jr. Dr. Dickerson's Dementia Research Program in the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders Unit is a cause near and dear to the Sladen Family, which supports clinical care and research efforts for individuals living with Frontotemporal Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders. Online condolences at TRIPPFUNERALHOME.com