October 1, 2026
Gary V. Paolo, 78, of Rumford, was lifted on angels’ wings into the arms of the Lord on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Miriam Hospital in Providence, with his longtime partner and caregiver and his sister holding his hands.
Born on August 19, 1947 in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the devoted son of the late Joseph A. Paolo and Dorothy V. (Taylor Rickel) Paolo.
Gary was a 1967 graduate of East Providence High School.
Gary was a true outdoorsman. He was an avid fisherman on his boat, “Ohmbre.” When not fishing, he was a frequent visitor to Haines Park in Riverside, where he was known as the “mayor of the ramp.” He loved being near the water; it provided him a sense of peace and enjoyment. He made friends wherever he went, and anyone who knew him will attest to his quick wit.
When in season, Gary was a weekly Saturday night fixture at Seekonk Speedway for over 40 years. He also enjoyed community fairs, especially his annual visit to the Big E for more than 35 years. He enjoyed riding his horse Johnny Raffels, traveling the U.S. in his camper, watching TV and football, and indulging in Awful Awfuls, NY System hot wieners, and pumpkin pie.
Gary worked at several local sheet metal companies in Rhode Island as well as at Electric Boat during his working career.
Gary will be sadly missed by his partner and caregiver, Chitadelia Smietana, and her daughter Connie Smietana; his brother Joseph P. Paolo (Angela); his sister Debra McDonald (Campbell “Don”) of Rehoboth; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepbrother Thomas E. Rickel and brother-in-law Mark Corino.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the VNA Home Hospice nurses, as well as to his friends Paul Geragosian, Mike Lange, Lewis Medeiros, and cousin Larry Buracker for their calls and visits.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, beginning with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 346 Waterman Avenue, East Providence. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Riverside.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Gary’s name to his favorite charity, for which he received a certificate of recognition for 39 years of outstanding support: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
