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William W. Tripp & Cheetham Funeral Homes, 1008-1012 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI (2026)

06/10/2026

Velma Schmidt

Pawtucket – Velma (Barrie) Schmidt, 91, passed peacefully away on Friday, May 29, 2026. Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late Earl D. and Mildred (Higgins) Barrie and one of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty-six years, Carl W. Schmidt and her daughter, Carla S. (Schmidt) Bell.

Velma (“Vel”) was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed telling stories, spending time with relatives and friends, and relaxing with a glass of Canadian Club and Ginger Ale. You could often find her with at least a few Hershey Kiss or Russell Stover wrappers in her pockets. In her youth, she loved to roller-skate and loved traveling with her family, especially to upstate New York and New Hampshire. She was what many would call "a spitfire" or "a hot ticket". She put family first and was a steadfast port in many storms. When someone needed her, she was always there. She had a quick wit, was a "talker", and had stubbornness that wouldn't quit. She was also deeply loving, fiercely dedicated, and purely loyal to those she loved. Being around her would always bring smiles and laughter.

She is survived by her sisters Evelyn (Barrie) Scharer and Avis (Barrie) Chamberlain, both of Florida. Her beloved son, Scott W. Schmidt of Pawtucket, and granddaughter, Sarah E. Weygand of Leavenworth, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:45AM outside the Administrative Building of the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S County Trail, Exeter for the Committal Service to be held at 11:00AM.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: RISPCA, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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06/10/2026

Karen Ann Padykula

Karen Ann 'Big K' Padykula, 73, passed into eternal adventure on May 19th, 2026. She leaves behind a lifetime of music, generosity, and laughter.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Frank Sr. and Mildred (Manion) Padykula. A graduate of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Karen pursued her passion for music from an early age, performing in local bands and learning to play six instruments. Though she became a musician by trade, Karen adamantly considered herself an entertainer, professionally and personally.

She spent many of her early years traveling and living in various places, from New England to Hollywood, California, where she worked for writers and television stations. In the early 1980's, she joined and managed the all-female band The Burgandies and performed across the country as a lead guitarist and singer. After returning to Rhode Island, she continued to write and record original music while operating her own production company, KA Productions. Throughout her career, she also worked as a bookkeeper for Surplus Machinery Co. and was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Karen was an avid photographer, writer, and artist, who meticulously documented her remarkable life. She lived unapologetically, embracing who she was and whom she loved. Though she had no children, she will be remembered as a mother by those she nurtured and for all the joy she brought to those who had the privilege of knowing and being known by her. Her greatest loves in retirement were spending time with her family, beloved nephew and niece, Taylor and Kaitlin, great-niece, Autumn, and above all, making everyone she met laugh.

She is survived by her sisters, Francine Padykula-Vogell, Christine Fagan and partner, John Sheehan Jr.; her niece, Kaitlin Fagan; her nephews, Kenneth F. Padykula Jr., Joseph Padykula, Taylor Fagan and wife, Sara Fagan; and her great-nieces, Kaylee Padykula and Autumn Fagan.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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06/08/2026

Judy E. Mahlecke

Woonsocket – Judy E. (Alberg) Mahlecke, 74, formerly of Pawtucket, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Andreas Gustav-Adolf Mahlecke for thirty-two years. Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late William and Ethel (Naumann) Alberg.

Judy was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother who provided a loving home for her family. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper and was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in South Attleboro, MA. Judy enjoyed spending time with family and friends and collecting Christmas ornaments. She also loved flowers, butterflies, and making her own floral arrangements.

She is survived by her beloved children, Elaine J. Mahlecke, Andrew G. Mahlecke, Jerry W. Mahlecke, John F. Mahlecke, ten grandchildren, and siblings, Robert Alberg and Lynne Alberg-Buonanni.

She was predeceased by her late brother William Alberg.

The Funeral will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 9AM from the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket with the FUNERAL SERVICE at 10AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 60 May Street, South Attleboro, MA. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Pawtucket.

VISITATION will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 2PM-4PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 60 May Street, South Attleboro, MA 02703.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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05/29/2026

Muriel Christian

Providence - Muriel Christian, 90, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Calistus Christian. They were happily married for 41 years.

Born in Sri Lanka, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Birdie Casinader, and the loving mother of Jefferey Christian and his wife Lexie Christian of Mansfield, MA, and Angelita Hensman and her husband Dharman Hensman of Providence, RI.

She was the cherished grandmother of Chris Hensman of Texas, Ianthe Hershberger of Rhode Island, Kelsey Luna of Virginia, and Nicole Christian of Massachusetts, great-grandmother of Helen, Damon, and Eli Hensman, Ionie and Amaya Hershberger, and Emiliano Luna, sister of Eugenia Matthews, Irene Yorke, Thompson Casinader, and Locksley Casinader.

Her late siblings include Juliet Gnanamuttu, Clytie Hoeck, Linda Satypalan, Doreen Silva, Norman Casinader, Christobel Nallathamby, and Kingsley Casinader.

Muriel was a Montessori teacher and a lecturer at the Ceylon School of Social Work in Sri Lanka where she taught pre-school trainees. She retired from Lincoln School in Providence, RI. She loved bowling, playing badminton, tennis, and won many trophies. She was also an avid sports fan and loved to watch the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins. Muriel enjoyed cooking, gardening, entertaining, and spending time with her family and friends, who all remember her generosity, kindness, and delicious meals.

Funeral Arrangements are private and have been entrusted to the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.

A Celebration of Muriel’s Life will be held in the summer and announced at a later date.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601

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05/22/2026

Gerard Menard

Pawtucket – Gerard “Gerry” Menard, 74, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Cantara) Menard for forty-seven loving years. A resident of Pawtucket, he was a son of the late Gerald and Ida (Sylvester) Menard.

Gerry worked for many years for the City of Pawtucket. A man of service, he was a dedicated volunteer at the Providence Ronald McDonald House, Pawtucket EMA, the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Leon Mathieu Senior Center. Gerry was awarded the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award for 2019-2020 and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Leon Mathieu Senior Center in 2024, for which he received a proclamation from Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. Gerry was an avid cribbage player and received a cribbage title for his love of the game.

Gerry had a passion for helping others and was a true gentleman. He was proud of his relationship with God, his family and his many friends, always greeting elderly friends with, “Hello young lady” or “Hello young man”. He will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives he has touched over the past seventy-four years.

Besides his loving wife, Gerry leaves his siblings, Ronald (Mary) Menard, Normand (Kathy) Menard, Pierre (Nancy) Menard, Richard (Nancy) Menard, and Lucille (the late Bob) Gustafson; five in-laws, Russell (Helene), Kenneth (Eleanor), Kevin, Alan (Sherri), and Albert (Jamie); many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Paul Menard.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a Memorial Mass to be celebrated on Friday, June 12th at 9:45 a.m. at St. Raymond Church, 1240 North Main St., Providence. Immediately following the Mass, all are welcome to gather at the Madeira Club, 46 Madeira Ave., Central Falls, where family and friends may share memories (casual attire is welcome). If you are unable to join us, the family knows that you are with us in spirit and love. Gerry’s family offers special thanks to Rev. Edward Pieroni and the staff at HopeHealth Hospice. Memorial gifts would be appreciated to either St. Raymond SVDP (food pantry), 2 Matilda St., Providence, RI 02904 or HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904. Arrangements are entrusted to William W. Tripp Funeral Home, Pawtucket. www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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05/21/2026

Adrian Paul Silva

Pawtucket - Adrian Paul “Rabbi” Silva, born May 8, 1954, passed away on May 20, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by intelligence, talent, humor, and quiet strength. Born to Adrian Silva and Thelma (Williams) Silva, he moved through life with curiosity, independence, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

A retired police officer, he was a U.S. Army veteran, graduate of Saint Raphael Academy and Roger Williams University. Adrian was naturally gifted in nearly everything he pursued — exceptionally knowledgeable, quick-witted, and thoughtful, with an understated humility that often kept him from recognizing just how remarkable he truly was. Those who knew him appreciated his sharp mind, dry sense of humor, and unique perspective on life.

Known affectionately as “Rabbi,” he excelled as an amateur tennis player and black‑diamond skier. He thrived on challenge and adventure, finding joy in sports, nature, music, travel, and above all, live concerts. Adrian called many places home beyond Rhode Island — Colorado, Las Vegas, Florida, and Maine — carrying with him a fiercely independent spirit. Even when far away, he stayed close in heart to those who loved him most.

He is survived by his sister, Leslie Pietraszka; his niece, Adrienne Pietraszka; his nephew, Jared Pietraszka; and his great-niece and great-nephews, all of whom will forever cherish his memory.

Funeral Arrangements are private and entrusted to the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket.

Kindly omit flowers.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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05/20/2026

Richard J. Mills Sr.

Pawtucket - Richard J. Mills, Sr., 87, passed away at home with family by his side on Monday, May 18, 2026. He was the beloved husband of the late Ann L. (Clement) Mills. A lifelong resident of Pawtucket, he was a son of the late James and Florence B. (Greenwood) Mills.

Richard served in the United States Navy aboard the USS John Paul Jones (DD-932) and went on to a career as a machinist in the jewelry industry. He worked at Swank Inc. in Attleboro, Watchbands in North Attleboro and was the proprietor of NuGlo Cleaning Company. In more recent years, he worked for Sodexho in the school lunch program until his retirement.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. He will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives he has touched over the past eighty-seven years.

Richard leaves a son, Richard J. Mills, Jr. and his wife, Sherri, of Pawtucket; six grandchildren, Shawn, Mitchell, Brittany, Erin, Heather and Brenda; thirteen great-grandchildren, Breanna, Kora, Makenzie, Kaleigh, Jason, Jr., Debbie, Natalia, Mila, Jaiden, Olivia, Andre, Amiyah and Jasiah, and is expecting his first great-great-grandchild due this coming November. He also leaves his brother, Leonard "Lenny" Mills, Sr. of Rehoboth, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was the father of the late Debra Massey and Linda Mills; the great-grandfather of the late Tyler and Brayden Massey; the brother of the late James and Connie Mills, Albert and Marsha Mills, Arthur and Patricia Mills, and Catherine and Maurice "Moe" Mills, and the brother-in-law of the late E. Deva Mills.

The funeral will be held on Friday, May 29th at 9 a.m. from WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Teresa Church, 358 Newport Ave., Pawtucket. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Mount Saint Mary Cemetery. VISITATION will be held on Thursday, May 28th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to PANCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network), 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 would be appreciated. www.TrippFuneralHome.com

View Richard J. Mills Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/20/2026

Michael P. Gomes

Woonsocket - Michael P. Gomes, 58, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Born in Pawtucket, he was a son of Sheila A. (MacGregor) Grimley and the late Michael P. Gomes.

Mike worked for many years in retail sales. He enjoyed listening to music by Ozzy Osborne and KISS, playing cribbage with his mom and was unbeatable at Scrabble. Beyond these past times he was an avid fisherman and found great enjoyment in countless hours fishing. Mike will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives he has touched over the past fifty-nine years.

Besides his loving mother, Michael leaves three children, Kayla Capuano of Voluntown, Connecticut, Michael Capuano of Providence, and Cassandra Capuano of Woonsocket; a grandchild, Alex Welch of Voluntown, Connecticut; three siblings, Catherine Lane of Richmond, Virginia, Donald Gomes and his wife, Lisa, in California, and Bethany Russell of Warren, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend SERVICES to be held on Wednesday, May 27th at 4 p.m. at WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, VISITATION will follow the services until 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116 would be appreciated. www.TrippFuneralHome.com

View Michael P. Gomes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/18/2026

Ursula Michalopoulos

Pawtucket – Ursula (Bouris) Michalopoulos, 90, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late George Michalopoulos. Born in Pawtucket, she was one of twelve children of the late Nicholas and Helene (Demetre) Bouris.

Ursula was a dedicated wife and worked as an Administrative Assistant at Texas Instruments for many years. She was a parishioner of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket. Ursula served as Director of the parish choir and was an active member of the Philoptochos.

She is survived by her twin sister, Mary Barone of North Providence and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The FUNERAL SERVICE will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:30AM at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott Street, Pawtucket. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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05/15/2026

Sheila L. Monteiro

Pawtucket – Sheila Lynn (Walsh) Monteiro, 64, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late Shirley E. (Lunderville) Parent and Donald T. Walsh.

Sheila worked as a Unit Secretary at Miriam Hospital in Providence. She loved spending time with her family and friends, and with her beloved canine companion, “Brady”.

She leaves behind her siblings, Linda Dooley (Kenneth) of Pawtucket, Joanne M. Silveira (Joseph) of Swansea, MA, William Walsh (Karen) of New Hampshire, and Cheryl Walsh of Massachusetts, nephews and nieces, Joey Silveira, Heather Silveira (goddaughter), Ryan Dooley (Brianne) and Jared Dooley (Torry), great niece, Fiona Dooley, and great-nephew, Charles Dooley, and Stephanie Gomes (goddaughter).

She was predeceased by her brother, Daniel Walsh, and nephew, Matthew Haworth.

The FUNERAL SERVICE will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00PM at the WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket. VISITATION will be held prior to the service from 4:00PM-6:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Pawtucket Animal Shelter, 401 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02861.

www.TrippFuneralHome.com

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