October 2, 2026
Funeral Mass Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Riverside Congregational Church
The temperature outside was in single digits on Saturday, January 24, 2026 with an impending blizzard promising near two feet of snow in some areas. However, inside Watson Funeral Home in Riverside, RI, the environment was filled with warm smiles and tears. Patricia “Pat” Rebollo passed away on January 20th at home after dealing with cancer. "My amazing mother passed away and is finally at peace. I know in my heart she must be in a "better" place, but this is really so sad continuing this life without her,” wrote Rebollo’s daughter Vania. “I’ve literally talked to her all day long, every day. Thank you to all who sent messages and prayers for her. She was so loved,” added Vania. Rebollo is survived by her husband, John, of 55 years and children Michael J. Rebollo, Christopher Rebollo Sr. and Vania L. Rebollo-McVeigh. She also leaves her sisters, Gail Burdon, Jennifer Buckland; her brothers, Charles McCarthy and William McCarthy; and her ten cherished grandchildren and others in a large extended family.
Pat Rebollo, a Townie, was a lifelong Riverside resident and a 1968 graduate of East Providence High School. She earned an associate’s degree from Rhode Island Junior College. She devoted much of her life to caring for and connecting with others. She spent 27 years as a teacher’s assistant with the East Providence School Department, where she worked closely with children with special needs, always showing patience, kindness, and knowing just how to make each child feel comfortable and supported.
Always looking to support her family, she also worked for some 30 years as a waitress at Gregg’s Restaurant, where it seemed like she knew everyone. With the gift of gab and a laugh you could hear across the room, Patricia had a way of turning customers into friends and every shift into a good time. “Our mom was often referred to as “Chatty Patty,” laughs Vania. Her obituary noted how she was a faithful member of the Riverside Congregational Church and the Riverside Renaissance Group. In 2014, Patricia helped pioneer the Food Insecurity Mission Program, later known as Lighthouse Shoppes, where she volunteered faithfully for the past 10 years, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping those in need.
Mayor Bob DaSilva extended his condolences as he paid respect in attending the wake on Saturday. “I was absolutely heartbroken to learn of the passing of Patricia Rebollo. Whenever and wherever I found myself in Riverside I was sure to run into Patricia, her infectious smile and larger than life personality. She was passionate about helping others and had a deep love for East Providence, but especially Riverside. I will miss seeing her around town. The passing of Patricia “Mrs Riverside” Rebollo, as I used to call her, is a big loss to her family, friends and our community,” writes DaSilva.
“Wow,” writes Vania Rebolo. “The actual Mayor of our city paying tribute to our mom – the “Mayor” of Riverside! So nice.”
Hundreds of heartfelt condolences and stories flooded social media as people remembered how much Pat Rebollo touched their lives, their children, the community. One such example was from Michael Solitro, a teacher and coach in East Providence. “Anyone that had a chance to know Pat, knows your life was better having just one conversation with her. When I first got into education she always looked out for me, checked in, and just overall showed so much love. Our paths were always crossing through life and each time we were in different places, so the conversations were always different. Truly going to miss you, and I hope you know the impact you made here during your time with us. Rest easy my friend,” wrote Solitro.
“Thank you to everyone,” offers Vania. It makes us smile to know how loved my mom is by everyone (even though we already knew). This is heartbreaking but the outpouring of love we have gotten is a silver lining for sure. Continue to spread laughter and kindness just like my mom. Be good, do good as my mom often said.”
“We all know she is going to heaven. We are thankful that she has bounced back from the horrible side effects of chemo to spend her final time with family and friends chatting and laughing like we all love,” said Pat’s son Chris.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the Riverside Congregational Church, 15 Oak Avenue, Riverside at 10:00 a.m. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, those interested in contributions in Patricia’s memory, can donate to the Riverside Congregational Church, 15 Oak Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915. Grandchildren have also established a Go Fund Me account to help with final expenses. “She worked all her life two jobs and saved the best she could to prepare for her final arrangements, but we would like to honor our grandmother by helping her at this time: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-pattys-hospice-care
A special family friend, Becky Rodericks, made the trek from Hawaii, where she lives, to attend the wake and funeral and be with the family. She caught one of the last flights in, arriving late Friday night. “Who leaves beautiful Hawaii to come to Rhode Island on the eve of frigid cold and the biggest snowstorm in years,” joked Rebollo family members. A near lifelong family friend does that, they all smiled.
As the family said final goodbyes through tears at the end of the wake on Saturday, some of Pat’s favorite music played in the background. A favorite song started playing. Sweet Caroline. It might have been called “Sweet Patricia.” As the song played on, family sang along, complete with waving arms and the “bom, bom, bom” chorus. One last tribute to a woman beloved by so many. Be good, do good.
