Sansone Funeral Home

03/31/2026

The staff at Sansone Funeral Home had a wonderful time attending the Lenten Fish Fry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Bristol this past Friday, March 27th.

We are grateful for the opportunity to come together with members of the community and support such a meaningful tradition. Thank you to everyone who made the evening so enjoyable. It was delicious!

03/30/2026

Funeral Director Spotlight: Timothy R. Nay

Timothy Nay has been involved in funeral service for more than 40 years. Born in Peterborough, NH, he was raised and educated in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

For decades, he has had longstanding connections to the Town of Bristol and surrounding communities with extended family and friends and resided in the area for many years. He once again looks forward to living in the community he loves so much.

Timothy has been affiliated with the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home in North Attleboro, MA since 1998 and looks forward to continuing that relationship as he also serves the families of the greater Bristol area at Sansone Funeral Home.

He started in funeral service at the age of 16 at the Holt Funeral Homes in Henniker and Hillsboro, NH, and the Jellison Funeral Home in Peterborough, NH. In 1984, Timothy enrolled in the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston, MA, where he earned an associate degree in funeral service and graduated magna cm laude in 1986. He then attended Northeastern University and the former Bryant College, now Bryant University.

A licensed funeral director in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Timothy has long been actively involved in the community, participating in several civic, social, and fraternal organizations, having served on several boards of directors over the years.
His proudest civic contribution is in the formation of “The Ella Project” honoring his late grandmother which aids and feeds the homeless.

Timothy has a love for travel, having sailed the Amazon, scaled to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro alone, searched for the elusive silver-back gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda and participated in several other African safaris; unquestionably, though, his greatest satisfaction is having assisted thousands of families over the years during their time of grief.

03/24/2026

Joan Elaine St. Angelo

Captain Joan Elaine St. Angelo, U.S. Navy, Retired, of Somerset, MA, a former Bristol, RI resident, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born in Newport, Rhode Island on December 17, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Genaro "Jerry" St. Angelo and the late Josephine (Garvin) St. Angelo.

Ms. St. Angelo was a graduate of the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing - Class of 1953 and worked as a nurse in civilian practice in the field of orthopedics for nine years prior to entering the service.

She entered the United States Navy on March 6, 1962, and honorably served until her discharge on March 31, 1985, achieving the rank of Captain. She was a member of the first graduating class of hospital corps students.

She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Boston University having graduated cm laude in 1968. Ms. St. Angelo earned a Master's Degree in Nursing Service Administration from the University of Iowa in 1974.

Captain St. Angelo served 23 years as a Naval nurse and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Her overseas tours included Guam, Newfoundland and Naples, Italy.

She was the recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal (1978-1982), National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Medal (1982-1985).

She is survived by her brother, Wallace St. Angelo of Cranston, Rhode Island; her sister-in-law: Anna St. Angelo of Naples, Florida and three generations of loving nieces and nephews.

Ms. St. Angelo was predeceased by her parents; her best friend, Lieutenant Commander Dorothy Mae Barry, U.S. Navy and her siblings: Muriel Knight, Dorothy Hogan, Rita Coggeshall, Jere St. Angelo and James St. Angelo.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at North Burial Ground, Bristol, RI on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Burial will follow.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-7110.

View Joan Elaine St. Angelo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Sandra —— Chellel

Funeral arrangements and obituary are incomplete at this time.

View Sandra —— Chellel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Maryann Andrews

Maryann Andrews, 72, passed away at her residence in Providence, RI on March 17, 2026, with her sister by her side.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on April 2, 1953, she was a daughter of the late Paul E. Andrews and the late Ann M. (Patterson) Andrews. After she and her family moved to Bristol at the age of 11, she continued her education and was a 1971 graduate of Bristol High School and then earned her associate's degree from Roger Williams College.

She moved to Virginia where she was employed by the government and later returned to Rhode Island. Upon her return, she was employed by Tower Manufacturing for five years and then Mearthane Products Corporation in Cranston for 22 years. Most recently she was employed by two Providence law firms. Following her retirement, she returned to work part time and enjoyed working as a receptionist at the Highlands on the East Side.

She leaves her sister: Carol Normandin of Bristol, Rhode Island and her nephew and godson: Bryan Normandin of Bristol, Rhode Island.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 8:30 am until 9:30 am at the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated following visitation on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 330 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island.

Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, 438 East Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or by accessing www.visitingnursehh.org.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-7110.

View Maryann Andrews's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/15/2026

Norman Joseph Souza

Norman Joseph Souza, 86, of Bristol, RI, passed away at his residence following a short illness on March 14, 2026. He was the husband of the late Angelina M. (Letizia) Souza to whom he was married for 51 years prior to her passing on December 9, 2017.

Born in Fall River, MA on June 24, 1939, he was a son of the late Joseph J. Sousa and the late Anella (Vollaro) Sousa.

Mr. Souza attended Bristol High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps having served from October 23, 1957, until his honorable discharge on October 21, 1960. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol, RI.

In earlier years, he was employed at Kaiser Aluminum in Bristol before becoming a self-employed quahogger for many years.

He was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church.

Norman enjoyed time spent on the water, enjoying his classic cars and being a member of a car club and attending car shows.

An ardent hunter, he even travelled to Alaska where he enjoyed hunting for bear, elk, moose and deer.

He leaves his sister: Carol J. Taylor and her husband, Bruce Taylor, of Orleans, MA and their children: Brian Taylor of New Bedford, MA and Sara Taylor of Orleans, MA; many cousins; extended family members and longtime friends.

Family and friends are warmly welcome to attend a Visitation with Veteran Honors on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated following visitation on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, Rhode Island.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI.

Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by accessing: www.stjude.org.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-7110.

View Norman Joseph Souza's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/15/2026

George Richard Gabriel

George Richard Gabriel, 79, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, passed away on February 27, 2026, at St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River, MA following a period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Karen (D'Aloisio) Gabriel, to whom he was married for 56 years.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 8, 1946, he was the son of the late George A. Gabriel and the late Gladys (Gerold) Gabriel.

Raised and educated in Queens, New York, Mr. Gabriel graduated from Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from The Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now NYU Tandon School of Engineering) and his master's degree in industrial engineering from Newark College of Engineering (now New Jersey Institute of Technology).

He was employed by Union Carbide in various engineering positions for 27 years. After his retirement, he proudly served his community in the Town of Newtown, Connecticut, as a Justice of the Peace.

Mr. Gabriel moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island, where he lived for the past 25 years.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his children: Nancy K. Cifune and her husband, Edward S. Cifune, and Raymond G. Gabriel. He is predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Kimberly A. Gabriel. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Edward G. Cifune, Regina N. Cifune, Olivia A. Gabriel and Ava E. Gabriel.

A private Celebration of Life service will be held in the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Gabriel's name may be made to the Rhode Island Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 205 Hallene Road - Suite 209, Warwick, RI 02889.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-7110.

View George Richard Gabriel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/14/2026

Anthony D. Palazio

Anthony Domenic Palazio, 48, of Bristol, RI, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on March 3, 2026.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on July 11, 1977, he was a son of Henry Palazio and Pauline (Armillotto) Palazio of Bristol, RI. Anthony was a 1995 graduate of Mount Hope High School and later attended trade school.

Previously, he was employed by Summit Realty Property Management having worked as a property manager in the greater New Bedford, MA area.

His favorite pastimes included woodworking, playing cards and billiards, time spent working and admiring cars and he will be lovingly remembered for being a "jack of all trades" that made him perfectly suited for his profession.

He loved the television show, "The Price is Right" and was fortunate to attend a "live show" at Bally's in Lincoln, RI last year.

He will be lovingly remembered for his booming voice, making a presence wherever he went and for loving the Simpsons.

In addition to his parents, he leaves a son: Rocco D. Palazio of Bristol, RI; two stepchildren: Tori Hanuschak and Kayla Hanuschak; his sister: Miranda Ortelt and her husband, Dennis, of Bristol, RI and their children, his nieces and nephews: Gabrielle Ortelt, Warren Ortelt, Trevor Ortelt and Cory Ortelt.

Family and friends are warmly welcome to attend a Memorial Visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, Rhode Island.

There will be no funeral cortege from the funeral home prior to commencement of the Funeral Mass.

Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI.

Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by accessing: www.stjude.org.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, Rhode Island. (401) 253-7110.

View Anthony D. Palazio's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Angela V. Ruggiero

Angela Carmina (Venditti) Ruggiero, 83, of Bristol, Rhode Island, passed peacefully on Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, at Dawn Hill Home & Rehab. She departed this world gently, surrounded by the quiet grace and serenity that so beautifully reflected her faith and the tenderness with which God calls His children home.

Born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Angela was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Michelina (Angiolillo) Venditti. Raised in Drexel Hill, she was an exceptional student, earning the General Excellence Award from St. Bernadette’s School. She continued her education at the School of the Holy Child in Sharon Hill on academic scholarship, later returning to teach Kindergarten for one year. Angela went on to teach second grade at Annunciation B.V.M. School in Havertown, where she spent three devoted years nurturing young minds.

From an early age, Angela’s creativity shone brightly. She volunteered as a model alongside her sisters for Strawbridge & Clothier and delighted audiences in lead roles, including “Marmee March” in Little Women at Holy Child and “Jacqueline Kennedy” at the CYO. She later made Bristol her home, where she spent more than sixty years building a life rich in faith, family, creativity, and community. Her love of learning continued throughout her life, culminating in her graduation summa cm laude from Roger Williams University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She also proudly served as President of the Junior Women’s Club of Bristol.

Angela was the devoted wife of the late Joseph F. Ruggiero, Jr., with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and tradition — a gathering place for legendary 4th of July pool parties, joyful celebrations, graduations, and birthdays. Angela was a gracious and joyful host who truly loved being surrounded by family and friends.

A woman of many gifts, Angela devoted her life to education and the arts, talents she lovingly inherited from her mother. A longtime communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, she served for many years as a Kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, where she inspired imagination, creativity, and wonder in countless children. She later continued her service as an art teacher with the Bristol School Department. An accomplished artist and published author of The Christmas Santa Wore Blue Jeans, Angela found deep joy in creative expression — whether through her artwork, her writing, or the beauty she lovingly cultivated in her garden. She was especially known for her hundreds of personalized “name art” creations, thoughtfully capturing the hobbies, memories, and unique stories of those she loved.

Above all else, Angela treasured her family. She possessed endless patience and boundless love for her grandchildren and was deeply devoted to her two sons. She is survived by her loving children, Joseph F. Ruggiero III (Jan) and Michael A. Ruggiero, and her cherished grandchildren, Matthew T. Christopher, Alexis O. Ruggiero, Nicholas A. Ruggiero (Stephanie), and Anthony H. Ruggiero.

She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Maria Scarcelle (Ed), Joanne Sgro, and Mickey Losch (Walt), along with many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, patience, and gentle spirit. In addition to her husband, Angela was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law, Frank Sgro.

Proudly serving as Pall Bearers are Walt Losch, Ed Scarcelle, Dante Reyes, Michael Micheletti, Raymond C. Falcoa, and Jody Tucker. Honorary Pall Bearers include Nicholas A. Ruggiero, Matthew T. Christopher, Anthony H. Ruggiero, and Christopher K. Bryant.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI. Her funeral will begin from the funeral home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI. Angela will be laid to rest at North Burial Ground on Hope Street.

Angela V. Ruggiero will be remembered for her quiet strength, creative spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she so generously shared. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, her students, and all who were blessed to know her.

View Angela V. Ruggiero's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

John R. Coccio, Sr.

John “Dick” Coccio, Sr., 87, of Bristol passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026. He was the devoted husband of Evelyn (Hyder) Coccio for 60 years.

Born and raised in Bristol, Dick was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Emma (Puya) Coccio. He was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where he received all of his sacraments and lived his faith with quiet devotion.

Dick enlisted in the Army in 1955 and served in the Army Reserves for eight years.

In 1969, he proudly opened the Colonial Barbershop on Metacom Avenue, where he welcomed generations of customers with a steady hand and friendly conversation, retiring in 2020.

Dick found great joy in the game of bocce, designing and building a backyard court where, as team captain, he led the Green Hornets to victory over their friendly rivals, the Red Roosters, in this past season. He cherished the weekly matches in which players ranged in age from 33 to 104, and delighted in sharing the game with family and friends, passing on both skills and good-natured competition.

Dick could often be found around town for breakfast, a frequent and friendly face at the Hope Diner and Van’s Spa, especially following the 7:30 Sunday Mass. Dick was also an avid woodworker, always one to keep busy. In his later years, when he couldn’t be completing the work himself, he made sure to supervise.

Most importantly, Dick treasured every moment shared with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of his world.

He is survived by his sons, John R. Coccio, Jr. (Beth), and David Coccio (Marie); his grandchildren, Kathleen Oberg (Jeff), Matthew Coccio, Kelly Coccio (James Tabor), and Ryan Coccio (Madelyn); his great-grandchildren Audrey Oberg, Anthony Oberg and Enzo Coccio; his siblings, Eleanor Silva (the late Arnold), Joseph R. Coccio, Jr. (the late Kathleen), James Coccio (Jennifer); and his many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Dorothy Caromile (Joseph).

A Visiting Hour will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM. His funeral will begin from Sansone Funeral Home at 9:30 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI 02809.

View John R. Coccio, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/18/2026

James Scott Hanson

James Scott Hanson, 71, of Warren, passed away in Fall River, Massachusetts, surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband and lifelong best friend of Dorothy (Platt) Hanson, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.

Born in Meriden, Connecticut, Jim was the son of the late Harold and Amelia (DiCioccio) Hanson. From an early age, he carried with him a deep curiosity about the world and a generous heart that would guide him throughout his life.

Jim was a self‑employed independent contractor for more than 20 years and a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bristol. Outside of work, he lived life to its fullest. He was an avid windsurfer, talented artist, car enthusiast, musician, and antique collector. A dedicated runner, Jim completed several marathons, including the historic 100th running of the Boston Marathon in 1996.

Kindness came naturally to Jim. He made friends wherever he went and never met a stranger. If someone was in need, he would drop whatever he was doing to help. Through his business, he often offered employment to those seeking a second chance, restoring hope when it was most needed.

To say Jim was a renaissance man would be an understatement. He had an artistic eye, a creative spirit, and an uncanny ability to fix almost anything. He could often be found tinkering in his “fort,” always working on a project or improving something around him. Music held a special place in Jim’s heart, and he passed that passion on to his children. During the rare moments when he slowed down, he could be found writing songs or playing his guitars.

For Jim, Dorothy was more than a wife—she was his partner in every sense of the word and his closest friend. He proudly took on household responsibilities, from cooking and cleaning to shopping and repairs. An exceptional home chef, Jim never needed a recipe.

As a father, Jim was a pillar of strength for his two sons. He was there for every stage of their lives—celebrating their triumphs, supporting them through pitfalls, and always offering a listening ear and sage advice when needed, even if it was, at times, unfiltered.

Jim loved the children in his life, especially his grandchildren. The pure joy on his face, and love in his heart when he would play games, laugh, and cuddle with the little ones was nothing short of divine.

A friend to all and a stranger to none, Jim had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. Even a simple stop to pick up takeout often ended with a story about a new friend he had just made.

Though words could never fully capture the man Jim was, the kindness he gave so freely will live on in all who knew him. The superlatives to describe Jim could fill a thesaurus. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and the memories he leaves behind will remain forever.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his sons, Austin Hanson and Jeremy Hanson (Katherine); his grandchildren, Sean, Madeleine, and Holly; his siblings, Mark Hanson (Suzanne), Cindy Hanson (Dave Donohue), and Mary‑Dee Hanson (Suzanne); along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the Warren Volunteer Fire Department, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, or your local animal rescue.

View James Scott Hanson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.