Charles L. Petrone

WESTERLY- Charles "Charlie" Louis Petrone, age 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 21st. He was predeceased by his parents, Domenic and Rose (Dipollino) Petrone, his wife Elisabeth (Mebert) Petrone, and his brother Frank Petrone.

Born in Westerly, Charlie was delivered at home by his aunt Theresa (Petrone) Gaccione. He graduated from Westerly High School in 1951 and joined the Air Force the same year. He served in Panama during the Korean Conflict until he was discharged in 1955. He worked for Consumers Dairy before rejoining the Air Force until 1960. Charlie was a member of VFW 8955 from 1955 until his death, as well as a member of the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the Elks 678 of Westerly.

Charlie worked at Davis-Standard for 35 years before retiring in 2000, and also worked many years for his lifelong best friend Sam (Sprocky) Urso at Pondview CC. During his retirement, he stayed busy and loved spending time with his family and friends. Most days started by meeting the crew at Honey Dew in Dunns Corners. He loved the game of golf and played frequently at Winnapaug Country Club, where he was a member for many years. He also enjoyed cooking and sharing his speciality dishes (stuffed peppers, eggplant parmesan, sauce and meatballs) with his loved ones.

Charlie loved and was loved by all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by his three daughters, Gina (Eric) Slafkovsky, Paula (Joe) Ritacco, and Charlene Petrone; his grandchildren whom he adored, Kristina, Alyssa, and Thomas Ritacco, and Samantha (Will) Waldrup, parents of his beloved great-grandson, Jack; as well as his animal companions, GG and Carl. He leaves his partner of 23 years, Melodee Quipp; his brother, Joe (Patricia) Petrone; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins of the Dipollino and Gaccione families. Charlie kept in touch with many of his cousins in Acri, Italy, whom he was fortunate to meet during his travels in 2011 and 2018.

Charlie's family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Legare, Dr. Mancini, Dr. Pawar, Dr. Sandoval, as well as his nurses and caregivers at the Dialysis Center of Westerly, and Beacon Hospice Care - who all provided him with the best care.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 29th from 4-7pm at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, Main Street, Westerly. A mass will be held at Noon on Thursday, November 30th at St. Pius X Church in Westerly. A procession and graveside burial will take place immediately after at St. Sebastian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charlie's name to: Kidney Patients of Westerly and Wakefield; PO Box 3025, Westerly, RI 02891.