Willard E. Ware, Jr.

Cumberland – Willard E. Ware, Jr., 87, of Flat Street, passed peacefully with family and friends at his side on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, Providence, having fought to the very end.

Born in Providence, son of the late Willard E. Ware Sr. and Viola (Heon) Iannacone, Billy lived in Pawtucket for most of his life.

Billy was well known in auto sales, selling quality pre-owned automobiles in the Blackstone Valley for decades, and was known as “The Poor Man’s Friend.”  He finished his career at Apollo Auto Sales, Cumberland, working there for over fifteen years before retiring.

An avid racing fan, Billy drove modified race cars for many years at Thompson Speedway and was a member of the Corvette Club of Rhode Island.  A U.S. Army veteran, Billy was stationed in Munich, Germany from 1960-1963, serving in a field artillery division.

He was the devoted father of Nicholas A. Ware of North Providence, and Brenda Gonzales, Kim Ware, and Billy Ware, all of California.  He is also survived by two sisters, Nola Treacy of Coventry and Joan Denoncour of Florida; two brothers, Robert Ware of North Smithfield and Ronnie Ware of North Kingstown; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was the brother of the late John Ware, Roger Ware and Beverly Taylor.

Bills life will be celebrated on Friday, November 8, 2024, in Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. Family and friends are invited and may attend visiting hours prior to the funeral service from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. A funeral service will immediately follow visiting hours, at 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 would be appreciated. For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. 

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