October 1, 2026
Avelino J. Rose, affectionately known as “Chappy,” passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 101years old.
Born in East Providence, Rhode Island, Chappy was the eldest of four children of Jose DaRosa and Annie DeBrito DaRosa. He was predeceased by his siblings: Ida (Rose) Moniz, Mary (Rose) Varela, and Joseph Rose. He was the devoted husband of the late Alice (Fontes) Rose, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.
He is survived by his five children: William Rose and his wife Linda of Rehoboth, MA; Lois Gordon and her late husband John Gordon of Johnston, RI; Jeffrey Rose and his wife Patricia of Seekonk, MA; Joseph Rose of East Providence, RI; and Elizabeth A’Vant and her husband John of Lincoln, RI. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Gina, Maria, Alison, Jason, Alexander, Johnathan, and Derrek—and three great-grandchildren: Aiden, Olivia, and Owen. Chappy is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and his beloved partner, Valorie Hopes.
A first-generation Cape Verdean-American, Chappy’s life was defined by resilience, service, and devotion to family. He proudly served in World War II as a Corporal in the 1883rd Company A Aviation Engineers, attached to the 10th Air Force in the China-Burma-India Theater. For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Battle Star. He later served as Commander of the China-Burma-India Mini State Basha, RI Veterans Association (2003–2009).
Chappy broke barriers throughout his career, becoming the first Black/Cape Verdean Processing Sheriff in Rhode Island and the first Black/Cape Verdean Waterfront Superintendent for John J. Orr & Sons. He was a longtime member of the Cape Verdean Progressive Center, later honored as an honorary member. His volunteer work as Social Chair and Building Chair helped shape the heart of the CV Club—from renovations of the front bar to the construction of Founders Hall and the creation of “Peck’s Pit.”
Chappy was a war hero, a trailblazer on the docks, and a visionary son of immigrant parents. He loved his family, was fiercely proud of his heritage, deeply rooted in his neighborhood, and committed to lifting others through humility, craftsmanship, and love. In a word, he was “Fan-tab-u-lous.”
His funeral will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 9:00 AM from the PERRY-MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 346 Waterman Avenue, East Providence. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday, 4-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RI Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial Project, honoring Chappy’s legacy and supporting the remembrance of Cape Verdean-American military service. Contributions can be mailed to: RI Cape Verdean Veterans Memorial Project, 39 Wood Hollow Lane, Rumford, RI 02916. Please include "In memory of Chappy" in the memo line.
