George R. Nazareth

Cumberland – George R. Nazareth, 88, of High Ridge Drive, died Thursday, February 22, 2018, at Briarcliffe Gardens, Johnston, surrounded by his loving family.  He was the beloved husband of the late Dolores (LaPorte) Nazareth.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Alfred and Anna (Harrington) Nazareth.  He was a graduate of Moses Brown School, Class of 1948, the University of Rhode Island, Class of 1952, and earned his M.B.A. from Columbia University.

Mr. Nazareth was the President of the former Providence Casket Co. of Lincoln, RI for many years, retiring in 1990.

He was a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities.  He served as President of the Woonsocket Chapter of ARC from 1968-1970 and 1973-1974; served as chairman of a $1.5 million fundraising drive for the ARC of Northern Rhode Island in 2000; was President of State Association of Retarded Citizens (RIARC) from 1969-1971; served as a founding board member Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council, twice serving as President; was a founder of the Rhode Island Coalition for Persons with Handicaps; was a founding board member of the Rhode Island Disabilities Law Center, serving as President from 1980-1990; was a member of the Legislative Commission on the education of foster children; served as Chairman of the Special Education Task Force Legislative Subcommittee; and was a Member of the Department of Education Task Force that updated regulations on the education of handicapped children.  His proudest accomplishment was his successful advocacy that resulted in the closing of Ladd School. He tirelessly undertook this effort after personally viewing the deplorable treatment of the State’s most helpless residents.

In his free time, he enjoyed collecting antique automobiles and had several award-winning cars that he personally restored. He also enjoyed woodworking, segmented wood turning and sailing.  He was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving as a radar operator, and was a plank member of the U.S.S. Wilkinson.

He is survived by his children, Annette Nazareth, and her husband Roger Ferguson, Jr., of Washington, D.C., Cynthia Nazareth Minor of Newtown, Connecticut, Stephen E. Nazareth, and his wife Patricia of Warwick, and Linda Nazareth of Cumberland; eight grandchildren, Roger and Caroline Ferguson, Sarah, Stephanie and Andrea Minor, Christopher and Matthew Nazareth, and Arielle Nazareth Barber; two great-grandchildren, Roland and Theodore Barber; and one brother, Nathaniel Nazareth of East Greenwich, and lifelong friend and brother in law Donald LaPorte and his wife LouAnn.  He was the brother of the late Alfred Nazareth, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, February 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Joan of Arc Church, 3357 Mendon Road, Cumberland.  Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.  The family asks in lieu of flowers, to please take a moment to do a kind act for someone else.  

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