Alphonse G. Issa

1920 - 2015

NORTH PROVIDENCE - Alphonse George Issa, 94 of North Providence, RI loving husband of 71 years to recently deceased Alice Irene Issa, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2015 at Rhode Island Hospital with his loving family by his side. Alphonse was born on October 8, 1920 in Central Falls, Rhode Island, the son of George and Julia Issa.
He was a US Army Veteran of World War II and shortly after his discharge in 1946, he began a 27 year Civil Service career with the US Army Reserve. Additionally, he continued working for the Narragansett Racing Association and the Burrillville Racing Association retiring in 1990. He remained active after his retirement. Until recently, he worked at Lifetime Medical in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and held the position of Treasurer.
He was a Eucharistic minister for many years, visiting nursing homes and the elderly. He often helped others with such things as finding a job, financial issues and doing tax returns.
Alphonse was a true family man and the best father anyone could ask for. He worked two jobs most of his life so that his wife could stay home with their children. He always said that staying home and raising three children was more difficult than what he did. He loved to tell jokes, especially to his doctors and always had a smile on his face. He loved his grandchildren and played cards and checkers with them. He was an ardent New York Yankees Fan and enjoyed gardening. He was famous for his tomato growing. Some of his favorite memories were the vacations he took with his family to Hawaii, Jamaica, San Francisco, Acapulco, Jerusalem, and Europe. He and his wife were able to celebrate 70 years together at a celebration in 2013 with family and friends.
Alphonse will be remembered and deeply missed. He is survived by his son, Robert and his wife, Lynn of Somers, CT; his daughter, Beverly and her husband David Munyon of North Smithfield, RI; his daughter Marie and husband Louis Paolino of Lincoln, RI. He also leaves 8 grandchildren, Matthew and Christopher Munyon, Marie Xiarhos; Jonathan and Gregory Issa; Thomas, Mariah and Austin Paolino. Alphonse was able to enjoy 9 great grandchildren. Alphonse was predeceased by his parents and siblings.
We would like to thank Fr. Bob Perron and Fr. Roman Manchester for their visits to his home. Thank you to Emily Mendes for caring for him for 5 years and a special thanks to his grandson, Thomas Paolino, who lived with him for the past 19 months to care for him. A special thanks Erin Baldt, Doctor of Acupuncture for her weekly visits to his home.
The funeral will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 9:30 AM from the Costigan-O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM in Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Fenner Street, Providence. Burial with Military Honors will be in Mt. Saint Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours Friday from 4-7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, 195 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 www.oneillfuneralhomes.com