obituary

Reginald Blaine Cooper, 83, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on July 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 22, 1943, in Sistersville, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Paul Cooper and Mabel (Lazear) Cooper of Paden City, WV.  A proud United States Navy veteran, Reggie was the owner of Aquidneck […]

Samia Menassa, 89, passed away peacefully at her home on July 15, 2026. Born on March 5, 1937 in Tyre, Lebanon to Afife and Joseph Menassa, Samia came to America in 1970. Along with her parents, her brother Sami Menassa and his wife Marie, Samia made a life in Newport/Middletown, Rhode Island.She spent over 30 […]

As a young teenager Jim Baillargeron wanted to fly. One day in July 1965 he walked into an Air Force recruiter’s office in Newport, Rhode Island. But the fact he never attended high school was not to his advantage. Disappointed, on his way out the door a Marine recruiter grabbed the tall, slender teenager, “So […]

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lucy Labonite (Gayta) Marum, a beloved mother, grandmother, godmother, wife, sister, auntie, and friend, who passed away on July 8, 2026. Born on March 10, 1952 in Barcelona, Sorsogon, Philippines, Lucy built a life full of generosity, devotion, tenderness, and love. Lucy graduated from Gubat National […]

Larry McCabe spent 25 years in the United States Navy, sailed around the world for a full year, befriended naval officers on almost every continent, and still considered dropping his daughter off at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail one of his finest (and hardest) moments. That was Larry; equally at home brokering international […]

Mary Elaine Gaines, known widely as “Maura,” died on July 3, 2026 at Newport Hospital after a brief illness. Mary was born on April 6, 1932 in Sherburne, NY to Clarence F. Gaines, founder of the Gaines Dog Food Company, and his wife, Amelia Ryan Gaines. Mary attended Sherburne Central School and graduated from Marymount […]

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Mello, 86, of Middletown, passed away Monday June 29, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late John R. “Bobby” Mello for 54 years. Born on July 23, 1939, she was the daughter of George S. and Catherine (Holland) Lopes and spent her youth […]

Diane Marie Murnane, 76, passed away peacefully in Newport RI, on July 2nd, 2026. Born on August 3rd, 1949 in Boston, MA, she was the oldest of 5 daughters of Catherine (Larkin) and William Murnane. Diane is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Stahl (Jonathan) of Middletown, Rhode Island, grandchildren Lauren, Megan, Isaac and Benjamin Stahl; […]

John Thomas Reid, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, businessman, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones and fortified by the Sacraments of the Church. He was 82 years old. Born on April 19, 1944, in Providence, Rhode Island. John was the youngest of three children of Catherine Quinn […]

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy Rego Pettit, who left this earth from the comfort of her home on June 28, 2026, at the age of 96. Born on November 9, 1929, in the scenic coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island, Dorothy was the cherished […]

Elizabeth Marie Watts, 81 of Freebody Street, Newport died Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the St. Clare Nursing Home in Newport. Born September 29,1944, in Newport, she was the beloved daughter of the late Frank J. Watts, Jr. and Marie E. (Bucci) Watts. Before her retirement, she excelled as a well-respected Executive Secretary for the […]

Leddy Alexandra Dugan passed away at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Her life was defined by the love she shared with her family and friends. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and friend whose warmth, humor, and strength touched everyone who knew her. Leddy was a fierce, funny, warm-hearted, and strong-willed woman with […]