Henry C. Rose
Henry C. Rose, 82, of East Providence, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the husband of the late Diane P. (Allard) Rose.
Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Henry D. and Mary F. (Castro) Rose. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy, class of 1958, and Providence College, class of 1962. Mr. Rose was the operator of the Rose Furniture Company before he retired. He also was elected to the House of Representatives serving District 63, which eventually became District 84, East Providence. He served from 1992 to 2008, where he was instrumental in legislation for tougher drunk driving laws, rate increase caps on senior housing, and procuring funds for his beloved City of East Providence. He served as Deputy Speaker of the House. He was a former member of the Joint Small Business Committee, a member of the East Providence Planning Board from 1982 to 1992, a member of the Retail Furniture Dealers, and a member of the Judiciary & Veterans Affairs Committees. Mr. Rose also was the Treasurer of the East Providence Democratic City Committee and he was very instrumental as chairman of the drive for the City of East Providence to secure the jaws of life. He also belonged to several civic organizations including, the America Planning Association, the National Association of Small Businessmen, the Prince Henry Club and the East Providence Council 1528, Knights of Columbus. Henry was a 2002 recipient of the Yvonne Cabral Community Service Award. He was proud of his heritage, and of he and his family's efforts to repay all depositors of the Alliance Finance Corp, a family-owned savings and loan bank closed with the collapse of RISDIC. All depositors were repaid within 2 weeks, with the business later reopening as a mortgage company. Mr. Rose also served in the United States Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966.
He leaves two children, Sherry M. Rose-Harritos and her husband Vasilios and Henry D. Rose and his wife Jacqueline B., three grandchildren, Nicholas, Henry and Victoria, one sister, Florence Agresti and one brother, Francis A. Rose. He was the brother of the late Thomas A. Rose.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 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 St. Martha's Church, Pawtucket Avenue. Burial will be in St. Stephens Cemetery, Attleboro. Calling hours Tuesday 4-7. In lieu of flowers contributions to the RI Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 would be appreciated.
