Bernardo Tesoniero

89, of Cranston, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.  He was the beloved husband of Annita (Conti) Renzi Tesoniero.  Born in Cicerale, Salerno, Italy he was the son of the late Antonio and Angelina (Cuccio) Tesoniero.

Besides his wife, he was the loving father of Bernardino “Benny” Renzi and his wife Lucille of Florida, and Anthony Renzi of Foster, RI; cherished grandchildren Joseph and his wife Susan, Anthony, Michael, Christopher, and great grandson Jordan; dear siblings Giovanni Tesoniero of Arizona, Maria Tesoniero of Italy, and the late Angelo, Pietro, Pasquale, Giuseppe, and Annita Tesoniero.

Bernardo immigrated to the United States in 1965 from Italy, bringing with him the skillful trade of masonry. A self-made man, achieving the American dream with his own landscaping and masonry business, he was also an accomplished gardener, planting fruits, nuts and vegetables here in Cranston and in Italy.  He tended a grove of olive trees at his winter home in Agropoli, Italy where he and his wife would frequently travel and spend time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors most of all.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rocco’s Church, Johnston.  Visiting hours and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.