Wayne Matthew Botelho, 47 of Newport, RI died peacefully in his sleep at Rhode Island Hospital on Wednesday January 25, 2017.

Wayne attended Rogers High School where he played basketball and began his love for the culinary arts. His career as a chef provided him with fond memories of his time in the kitchen and those he worked with at the Quahog Co., Rhumbline, the Double Tree and Blenheim. A Chicago Bears fan and natural comedian, Wayne was a kind generous and fun-loving friend. He above all else loved being a father to his two children.

He was preceded by his father, Walter Botelho and mother, Eleanor Robinson. He is succeeded by his daughter and son, Lily and Ryan Botelho. By his brothers, Steven and Walter Botelho Jr., and his niece and nephew Robin and Steve Jr. Botelho.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2017 from 3-6 p.m. at O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport, RI. Afterwards there will be a celebration in Wayne’s honor at the Hibernian Hall from 6-10 p.m.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...