Alfred “Doc” Augusta
Alfred “Doc” Augusta, 75, of East Providence, formerly of Fox Point, passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Fox Point on March 15, 1949, “The Ides of March”, he was the son of Mary Angel (Sousa) and Alfred Augusta. He leaves behind his daughter, Amanda Augusta of East Providence, his son Anthony Augusta of Bristol, his bonus son Freddy Gobewole of Pawtucket, his partner Jane Gross of Warwick, and his 5 grandchildren Jace, Jaden, Justin, and Jaylee Pena and Avery Augusta. He was predeceased by his wife Teresa Rotella.
Alfred graduated from Hope High School in 1967 and Rhode Island College in 1971. He also received his Master’s degree from Providence College. He then went back to his alma mater, Fox Point Elementary School and taught there for 30 years. In 1985, he was hired by Rob Deblois for the first year of the SPIRIT Program and spent every summer there until he could no longer work. In 2002, he was one of the founding members of Blackstone Academy Charter School and was there until his diagnosis in 2020.
He was the best father in the world who sacrificed everything for his children and grandchildren to make sure they had the best life. He was the most selfless human and always told people he did the things he did for them, “Because I can.” One of the best days of his life was when his grandson Jaden was born on his birthday. He spent many days supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events and always wanted to help them write essays, asking to proofread, or tweak something!
Doc’s personality was magnetic, always optimistic and kind. He lived his best days in the Fox Point neighborhood, the Boys Club, Engineers Field, the playground, the Portuguese-American Social Club, and especially Fox Point Elementary School, which he entered in its first ever Kindergarten class and retired from in 1999.
Mr. Augusta was everyone’s favorite teacher. Quick with a greeting, a smile, and a pat on the back, he rallied even the most reluctant pupils, magnifying the positive and good in each. One former student, now a judge, celebrated him in a Providence Journal tribute. His love for sports ran deep. He was the Washington Redskins’ biggest fan. Doc also cheered for the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Phillies, and his local favorite, Providence College. His NFL draft parties were legendary, a yearly reunion of sorts for his close, strong, and lifelong friends but was always welcoming to new faces. One could often find him walking the neighborhood while listening to Luther, Smokey, the Stylistics, or the Whispers to name just a few of his favorites. He could name each bird that he passed and each tree as well. He delighted in the color of the sky, the shape of the clouds, and the warmth of the sun. Even with his diagnosis of dementia, he never stopped talking about Fox Point. Whether it was a nurse or a lifelong friend or family member who came by, he always said, “I know them from Fox Point!”
We will miss your boundless energy, enthusiasm, and zest for life. Peace out!
