Frank L Papa Jr.

Frank L. Papa Jr., age 87, was called to rest while surrounded by family at home on July 2, 2022, after a long and productive life as a Rhode Island resident. Professionally, he leaves a legacy of service in law enforcement, having served for 35 years as a RI Department of Environmental Management game warden, retiring at the rank of Chief and remaining active in several organizations, including the RI Environmental Police Officers Association, The Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chief's Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police Little Rhody Lodge #15. He also served honorably in the Navy Reserve for eight years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patti, to whom he was married for 45 happy years. Frank's greatest pride was in his family, extending to his children, Kathleen Glancy & her husband Jack, Captain (Providence PD Retired) of West Warwick, Jeffrey Rathbun & his partner Jen Forquer of Tacoma WA, and Rick Rathbun, Colonel (Warwick PD Retired) & his wife Jennifer of Attleboro MA. Frank experienced the joy of five grandchildren including Jonathan Devolve & his wife Melissa, Brian Devolve and his fiancé Nicole Ramirez, Cristina Glancy, Elizabeth Schmidt & her husband James, and Jacob Rathbun. They in turn have blessed the family with great-grandchildren including Mia, Charlee, Hadley & Maddox Devolve and Nora, Emma & Patrick Schmidt. Frank was affectionately known as "Grampy" by many, including Ruth Ann & Julie Hardy. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Clara & Frank Sr., along with his brothers, Pat, Joseph, Peter, and Charlie. Also known to a great many as simply the "Chief", Frank quietly but fiercely loved and provided for his family. He took great pride in his Italian-American heritage, loved to cook, and could tell some almost unbelievable stories from both his time in law enforcement and of a particular Cranston football championship in 1952 in which he played a starring role. Many a holiday meal started with his enormous platter of antipasto salad, and although he will be dearly missed at our table, we will always raise a glass to toast his memory and say "Salute". The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Sisco, Babbitt & Belmonte Families and the staff of Beacon Hospice Care for their support during this difficult time. Visiting hours are Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 4 pm - 7 pm, at the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd., (Rt.3), Coventry, RI. Frank's Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Hope Valley Ambulance Squad at PO Box 205, Hope Valley, RI 02832, would be appreciated.